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All those fans waiting for their teams to acquire one of the Minnesota Twins’ stars probably can forget it.
The Twins do not anticipate moving center fielder Byron Buxton or right-handers Joe Ryan and Pablo López, according to league sources briefed on their plans. Minnesota’s goal is to keep those players, build around them and compete in 2026.
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For weeks, the Twins have been in an uncertain state, trying to determine their course. They tore down their roster in July, and when the Pohlad family ownership announced the addition of two minority ownership groups in August, part of its motivation was to infuse cash to help pay down the team’s $425 million in debt.
Finances presumably remain an issue, but trades of players such as Ryan and Buxton would further alienate the fan base. Club officials believe the team is talented enough to compete in the AL Central, one of baseball’s weaker divisions. They recently hired a new manager, Derek Shelton. And now that they have clarity from ownership, they believe they have “mild flexibility” to make additions.
The Twins need bullpen help after trading most of their relievers at the deadline, and possibly a first baseman.
With their current roster, FanGraphs projects them to finish 82-80. The Cleveland Guardians won the AL Central last season with an 88-74 record. The Twins finished 70-92.
Rival clubs interested in Ryan, Buxton and López almost certainly will keep pushing to acquire them, as teams always seek to add high-end players. The Twins will listen, as clubs in their position are obligated to do. But it likely would take an overwhelming offer for any of the three to be traded.
Buxton, 32, has three years and $45 million remaining on his contract, and full no-trade protection that extends through 2026. López, 29, has two years and $43 million remaining. Ryan, 29, is projected to earn $5.8 million in his next-to-last year of arbitration before becoming eligible for free agency.
— Dan Hayes contributed to this report.