Braves Predicted to Trade for $100M Gold Glove Winner, 2X All-Star to Pair with Ronald Acuna Jr.

Atlanta could lure one of the best outfielders in baseball to join their star-studded roster.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 12:31am

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The Minnesota Twins are facing an uncertain future, and that has left franchise cornerstone Byron Buxton feeling unsettled about his future with the team. If the relationship continues to sour, Buxton could consider waiving his no-trade clause, and a potential destination is the Atlanta Braves, Buxton's hometown team. A move to Atlanta would bolster the Braves' outfield, adding speed to track down fly balls alongside Michael Harris and Ronald Acuña.

Why it matters

The Braves are always looking to make bold trades to strengthen their organization's future, and bringing in a star like Buxton could help them compete in the crowded NL East this season. Buxton is a Gold Glove winner and 2-time All-Star, so his addition would significantly improve the Braves' outfield defense and offensive production.

The details

The Twins have faced roster changes, turnover in the dugout and front office, and an uncertain commitment level from ownership, leaving Buxton feeling unsettled about his future with the team. Buxton had hoped the organization would quash trade rumors surrounding him by publicly stating that he wouldn't be traded, but that reassurance never came. If the relationship continues to sour, Buxton could consider waiving his no-trade clause, and the Braves, his hometown team, could be a potential destination.

  • Buxton made his feelings clear about the situation at the start of Spring Training in 2026.

The players

Byron Buxton

A Gold Glove-winning, 2-time All-Star outfielder for the Minnesota Twins who is feeling unsettled about his future with the team.

Ronald Acuña Jr.

A star outfielder for the Atlanta Braves who could form a formidable duo with Buxton if the Braves acquire him.

Michael Harris

An outfielder for the Atlanta Braves who could benefit from the addition of Buxton's speed and defensive prowess.

Alex Anthopoulos

The general manager of the Atlanta Braves, known for making bold trades to strengthen the organization's future.

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What they’re saying

“All it takes is for somebody at the top to go to the media, 'We're not trading you.' Trade rumors stop. Now we don't have those conversations. That's how simple this could get. But as I stated, it's different, it's different.”

— Byron Buxton

“It could be a case where, if he gets a little disgruntled, he can say, if Atlanta wants me, I'd love to go there.”

— Bob Nightengale, USA Today reporter

What’s next

The Braves will likely continue to monitor the situation with Buxton and the Twins, and if the relationship continues to deteriorate, they could make a push to acquire the star outfielder before the trade deadline.

The takeaway

The Braves' pursuit of Buxton highlights their commitment to building a championship-caliber roster through bold trades and acquisitions. Adding a player of Buxton's caliber would give the Braves a formidable outfield and significantly improve their chances of competing in the NL East this season.