With the 2025 MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, all eyes are on the Minnesota Twins as they work the phones to set their team up for the future.

As opposing teams continue to call about the availability of everyone from Harrison Bader to Jhoan Duran, one player who won't be going anywhere anytime soon is All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton, who landed on the 10-day injured list with left ribcage inflammation.

The injury, suffered over the weekend in a Saturday night showdown against the Washington Nationals, caused Buxton to leave the game with “side soreness” before being held out of action in the two games since.

Now granted, the prospects of Buxton being traded before the deadline were rather low even before the injury, as he's outright stated he wants to play for the Twins and has a no-trade clause that can guarantee his spot in Minnesota long-term. But as contenders fight for positioning heading into the fall, a strong offer, both in terms of assets and a future role elsewhere, might have changed that opinion.

Still, this news all but certainly puts any last-second move to bed, guaranteeing that Buxton will at the very least end the season in Minnesota, with the potential to stick around until 2028, when his seven-year, $100 million contract comes to an end.

Should the Twins opt against selling off players like Duran and Bader and really take a swing at the playoffs this season? Considering they currently sit fourth in the American League Central division with a 51-55 record, that might be too rich an offer for Minnesota's blood. But could the team contend for the playoffs, let alone the World Series, before Buxton's current $100 million contract expires? That remains a possibility, which makes this trade deadline very important both in the short and long term for the Twins.

More Minnesota Twins News
Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Jhoan Duran (59) throws to the Boston Red Sox in the ninth inning at Target Field.
Twins extinguish Jhoan Duran trade speculation after controversial bullpen hugTroy Finnegan ·
Minnesota Twins center fielder Harrison Bader (12) catches the ball for the out during the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Target Field.
Twins’ Harrison Bader steals home run from Red Sox’s Wilyer AbreuZachary Howell ·
Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa (4) walks to the dugout after the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Target Field
Twins’ Carlos Correa exits game vs. Red SoxChristopher Hennessy ·
Jhoan Duran photoshopped in Phillies jersey
1 last-minute trade Phillies must complete before 2025 deadlineBailey Bassett ·
Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Jhoan Duran (59) reacts after the final out of the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.
MLB rumors: Several teams checking in on Twins relievers after Chris Paddack tradeRussell Steinberg ·
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan (41) pitches in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
MLB rumors: Yankees, Red Sox among teams ‘annoying’ Twins’ with constant trade callsJoey Mistretta ·