Proposed blockbuster Mets trade sees New York land $100 million two-time All-Star slugger to create super outfield with Juan Soto, Luis Robert Jr. originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The New York Mets have been struggling so far in the 2026 season, with a record of 7-10 and last in the NL East. They made great strides in fixing up their team after a brutal start to the offseason, but they still have a few key areas that can be kryptonite.
One of those areas is their last outfield slot, currently occupied by top prospect Carson Benge, who is really struggling. Sports Illustrated’s Ethen Hutton proposes that the Mets fix that by acquiring a veteran All-Star who helps their win-now chances in Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton.
The trade would look like this:
Mets get: OF Byron Buxton
Twins get: RHP Luke Weaver, RHP Tobias Myers, NYM No. 4 prospect 1B/OF Ryan Clifford
“The Mets have had their sights on Buxton for a while. New York has reportedly called regarding a potential deal for the All-Star, which could be realized ahead of this year’s deadline. The team’s decision to trade Brandon Nimmo created a glaring need in the outfield, and could pull off a trade for Buxton to fill that void. The Mets can afford to sacrifice some depth in the bullpen, especially for a high-end talent on both sides of the ball,” Hutton wrote.
So far this season, Buxton is hitting .200/.269/.333/.602 with three doubles, one triple, one home run and two RBI in 15 games. While his stats are a bit low at the moment, they’re still higher than Benge’s, and when he gets into a groove, Buxton’s good for 30+ dingers.
His contract is also very team friendly. He’s on year four of a seven-year, $100 million deal, which means the Mets wouldn’t just be renting him.
If New York could land Buxton, it would upgrade their offense, defense, and their overall chances at maximizing their championship window. Hopefully, they get him on their team soon.
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