Buxton, Twins can't reach extension (sources)

July 26th, 2021

The Twins and Byron Buxton have been unable to agree on a contract extension, sources told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. The unsuccessful contract talks were first reported by MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal and Dan Hayes of The Athletic (subscription required).

Per Feinsand, Minnesota offered around $80 million over seven years. The Twins have not commented on the reported discussions.

Rosenthal reported for The Athletic earlier this month that Minnesota was trying to extend Buxton prior to the Trade Deadline and would likely look to trade him if no agreement was reached. The center fielder can become a free agent after 2022.

Buxton is currently on the injured list with a fractured left hand, which could complicate any efforts to trade him by Friday’s Deadline.

The 27-year-old Buxton has dealt with numerous injuries as well as inconsistency at the plate during his big league career, but he has hit .282/.322/.581 (139 OPS+) with 33 homers and 21 steals in 153 games since the beginning of 2019. Combined with his stellar defense, Buxton has been worth 8.0 bWAR in that span.