A prominent MLB insider suggested this week that the Atlanta Braves could potentially be a landing spot for a two-time All-Star outfielder who might hit the trade block early in the upcoming season.
The Braves look like a potential dark horse team in the National League in 2026. The team already has a rock-solid core featuring Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson, Chris Sale, and Spencer Strider. However, in the offseason, they made several very nice moves to improve the roster after a 76-86 finish in 2025. Including the additions of star closer Robert Suarez and Mike Yastrzemski.
Yet, in an NL East with powerhouse clubs like the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, you can never have enough talent to try to win the division. That is why Atlanta will keep their eyes and ears open for another big move during the season.
Could Byron Buxton force a trade to ATL Braves?
During a Monday appearance on the Foul Territory Show, Byron Buxton’s future with the Minnesota Twins was a topic of discussion with veteran MLB insider Bob Nightengale. The center fielder has a full no-trade clause in his contract. However, the Twins seem to be in the midst of a silent rebuild, and it would not be surprising if the 11-year veteran would like to jump ship in the coming months.
Interestingly enough, Nightengale suggested the Braves would make sense as one of the teams Buxton might agree to a trade with.
“All you’ve got to do is look at the Texas and Mets trade. Brandon Nimmo had a no-trade clause, too, but obviously, something set him off to say, ‘You know what, I want to go,'” Nightengale said. “Semien didn’t have a trade clause, but he was perfectly willing to go to New York. So it could be a case here too where if [Buxton] is a little disgruntled, he could say, ‘I’m from Atlanta, if Atlanta wants me, I’d love to go there.'”
The one-time Gold Glove winner would add more defense and thump to the lineup if the Braves were to make a trade for him.
