The Astros are being predicted to trade for Twins star Byron Buxton

The 2025 season was certainly disappointing for the Houston Astros. While they finished the 2025 campaign with a respectable 87-75 record, they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. With this, it was undoubtedly a frustrating season for the Astros, and they will be looking to bounce back in a big way during the 2026 campaign.

The Astros responded to their rough 2025 season by being pretty active this offseason. They most notably signed pitcher Tatsuya Imai to a three-year, $54 million contract in free agency. They also brought in multiple other players, which include Mike Burrows, Joey Loperfido, Nick Allen, and Ryan Weiss.

However, the Astros also had some departures this offseason. The most notable is star pitcher Framber Valdez, as he signed with the Detroit Tigers in free agency. A few other players from last season who are no longer on the Astros are Mauricio Dubon, Jacob Melton, Jesus Sanchez, and Ramon Urias.

With all of this, the Astros are entering the 2026 season with a different-looking roster. While this is the case, they should not be done making moves yet, as it is clear that they could still use a boost. Because of this, they are now being linked to one of the biggest star sluggers in the rumor mill right now.

Astros Predicted to Trade for Twins Star Slugger Byron Buxton

In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Kerry Miller discussed the top trade candidates in baseball and predicted where they could end up getting moved. Among the players discussed was Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton, and it makes sense when noting that he is a big-time star who has been the subject of trade rumors.

When it came to Buxton, Miller predicted that the Astros would end up being the team that acquires the 11-year veteran.

“Assuming Buxton has become (or will become) willing to waive his no-trade clause to go to a contender—and assuming he’s healthy at the trade deadline, which has never been a safe assumption over the years—there are definitely a few who could use the help in center field. Houston stands out from the crowd, though,” Miller wrote.

With the Astros in need of another star outfielder, it would make a ton of sense for them to make a major push for Buxton. The veteran slugger is exactly the kind of star that could help the Astros cement themselves as true contenders again after their disappointing 2025 season.

Buxton’s stats this season demonstrate just how impactful he can be. In 126 games with the Twins this past season, he set career highs with 35 home runs and 83 RBIs. With numbers like these, he would undoubtedly give the Astros’ offense more pop.

Several Teams Will Target Buxton if Twins Shop Him

If the Twins end up officially making Buxton available, he would generate a ton of interest around the league from teams looking for help in the outfield. He is an elite talent, and several top teams should be in the mix for his services because of it. As a result, the Astros would have competition if they pursued him.

Yet, with the Astros needing another star in their lineup, it would make a ton of sense for them to target Buxton. Let’s see if they do just that from here.

Michael DeRosa Michael covers the NHL for Heavy.com. He has professionally covered the NHL since 2017 and has written for other publications like The Hockey News, BetMGM, Athlon Sports, and The Hockey Writers. More about Michael DeRosa