The Los Angeles Dodgers have never been shy about making bold moves, and as the offseason winds down, it looks like they might have one more up their sleeve. With a roster already stacked from top to bottom, the Dodgers are reportedly eyeing a potential trade for Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton - a two-time All-Star and one of the premier defensive players in the game.
Buxton, who earned Wilson’s Overall Defensive Player of the Year honors, would be more than just a defensive upgrade. He’d bring another All-Star-caliber bat to a lineup that already reads like an All-Star ballot. The Dodgers are always looking for ways to stay one step ahead, and adding a player like Buxton could be the kind of move that helps them chase a three-peat.
Let’s break down why this makes sense.
First, the outfield. Los Angeles has some flexibility there, but an upgrade in the corners could solidify things.
Buxton’s glove speaks for itself - elite range, strong instincts, and the kind of defensive presence that can change the tone of a game. He’d likely slot in over Andy Pages, offering more power at the plate and a significant boost with the glove.
Now, the bat. Buxton’s 2025 season was one of his most complete to date.
He posted a .264/.327/.551 slash line with 35 home runs, 21 doubles, and 83 RBI across 126 games. That kind of production deepens a lineup that already features stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani.
And that’s the real value here - not just adding another name, but adding a proven contributor who can lengthen the batting order and make life miserable for opposing pitchers from top to bottom.
Because here’s the thing: the most dangerous lineups in baseball aren’t just top-heavy. They’re relentless.
One through nine, every at-bat is a battle. And with Buxton in the mix, the Dodgers would be that much closer to building a lineup with no soft spots.
The contract situation? For a team with the Dodgers’ resources, it’s a bargain.
Buxton is owed around $45 million over the final three years of his deal - a manageable number for a franchise that’s never hesitated to invest in winning. For that price, they’d be getting elite defense, 30+ home run power, and a player who, when healthy, can impact the game in multiple ways.
This wouldn’t be a splashy, headline-grabbing move in the way some of their other offseason additions have been. But it would be a savvy one. A move that bolsters the depth, tightens the defense, and adds another dangerous bat to a lineup already built to do damage.
If the Dodgers do pull the trigger, it’s not just about adding talent - it’s about making sure that when October rolls around, they’re as complete a team as any in baseball. And with Byron Buxton in Dodger blue, that completeness might be just within reach.