A bold trade proposal making the rounds suggests the New York Mets could solve one of their lingering roster problems by acquiring a $100 million, two-time All-Star and Platinum Glove winner to help offset the loss of Pete Alonso’s thunderous bat. The idea, first floated by The Sporting News, envisions New York swinging a major deal to bring Minnesota Twins star Byron Buxton to Queens in an effort to reshape both the lineup and the outfield defense heading into 2026.
The Mets have undeniably made progress in recalibrating their roster after parting ways with several marquee names in recent seasons. There’s been a clear effort to retool rather than fully rebuild, and the front office has not shied away from big moves. However, even with those adjustments, one issue remains unresolved: replacing the sheer power presence that Pete Alonso once provided in the middle of the order.
While New York has pieced together offensive production through other additions, including last offseason’s headline-grabbing acquisition of Juan Soto, there’s still a noticeable gap when it comes to raw home-run power. Alonso’s ability to change a game with a single swing isn’t easily replicated, and though the Mets have found ways to stay competitive offensively, they haven’t truly replaced that intimidating slugger who could anchor the lineup night after night.
That’s where the proposed blockbuster comes in.
According to FanSided contributors Mark Powell and Wynston Wilcox, the Mets should strongly consider approaching the Minnesota Twins about a trade centered around Byron Buxton. Their reasoning is straightforward: Buxton brings elite athleticism, dynamic power, and Gold-Glove-caliber defense to the table. More specifically, he offers something New York currently lacks — a legitimate power threat who can also transform the team’s run prevention.
Powell and Wilcox questioned what the Twins realistically stand to gain by holding onto Buxton at this stage. With Minnesota in a transitional period and Buxton carrying a significant contract, the authors argue that the organization could benefit from retooling around younger assets. In that context, trading a high-profile player like Buxton might make sense, particularly if the return helps accelerate a new competitive window.
For the Mets, meanwhile, the calculus is different. After a disappointing 2025 campaign that ended short of the MLB postseason, the pressure is on to pivot quickly and return to contention. Ownership has demonstrated a willingness to spend, and the front office understands that incremental upgrades may not be enough in a fiercely competitive National League. If New York intends to seriously challenge in 2026, it likely needs another impact bat capable of reshaping the lineup.
Buxton checks many of those boxes.
This past season, he posted a .264 batting average, a .327 on-base percentage, and an eye-catching .551 slugging percentage, resulting in an .878 OPS across 126 games. He added 21 doubles, 35 home runs, and 83 RBIs — production that closely mirrors the kind of power output Alonso routinely delivered during his peak years in Queens. The 35 home runs, in particular, underscore that Buxton remains a legitimate long-ball threat who can swing momentum in an instant.
Beyond the numbers, Buxton’s skill set adds a different dimension to the Mets’ roster construction. Alonso was primarily valued for his bat, especially his power. Buxton, on the other hand, contributes across multiple facets of the game. His speed and defensive range are elite, and his Platinum Glove recognition highlights just how impactful he is in the field. Slotting him into the Mets’ outfield would not only bolster the offense but also significantly upgrade run prevention.
That defensive element shouldn’t be underestimated. In modern baseball, where marginal gains can determine playoff positioning, converting extra-base hits into outs has real value. Buxton’s presence in center field — or potentially shifting other outfielders into more natural positions — could stabilize the defense in a way Alonso never did at first base. It’s a different kind of value, but one that can be just as influential over a full season.
There’s also the matter of lineup protection and balance. Soto’s arrival gave the Mets a premier on-base machine and one of the most feared hitters in the game. However, surrounding him with consistent power threats remains critical. Pitchers are far less likely to pitch around Soto if another slugger lurks nearby. Buxton’s power would help ensure that opposing teams can’t simply work around New York’s best hitter in high-leverage situations.
Critics might point to Buxton’s injury history as a potential red flag. Durability has occasionally been a concern throughout his career, and any team acquiring him would need to factor that risk into the equation. However, his 126 games played last season suggest he can still log substantial time on the field. For a Mets club that is clearly aiming high rather than playing it safe, the upside may outweigh the potential drawbacks.
Financially, absorbing the remainder of Buxton’s contract would represent another significant commitment. But given ownership’s demonstrated appetite for bold spending and the urgency to contend, it may be a calculated risk they’re willing to take. In fact, investing in a player with both star pedigree and elite tools could be seen as a statement of intent — a declaration that 2025 was an aberration rather than the beginning of a downturn.
From a strategic standpoint, acquiring Buxton would signal that the Mets are prioritizing impact over patchwork solutions. Rather than trying to replace Alonso’s production through a combination of mid-tier contributors, they would be betting on a single, high-ceiling talent to reshape the roster’s identity. It’s a gamble, but one aligned with how the organization has operated in recent years.
The competitive landscape also matters. With teams like the Phillies continuing to push aggressively for postseason positioning, standing pat may not be an option. Adding “firepower,” as Powell and Wilcox described it, is often necessary just to keep pace. The Mets cannot afford to assume internal improvements alone will close the gap. If they want to reassert themselves as legitimate contenders, boldness may be required.
Another intriguing element of this proposal is the stylistic shift it would bring. Alonso’s power was often rooted in brute strength and classic slugger mechanics. Buxton’s game, by contrast, blends explosiveness with athleticism. He can impact the game with his legs, stretching singles into doubles and scoring from first on a deep gap shot. That versatility could diversify the Mets’ offensive attack, making them less one-dimensional.
There’s also a psychological component. After falling short of expectations in 2025, the clubhouse and fan base alike could benefit from the energy of a major acquisition. Trades of this magnitude send a message — to players, to rivals, and to supporters — that complacency is not acceptable. Buxton’s reputation as a dynamic, highlight-reel performer could inject renewed excitement into Citi Field.
Of course, any blockbuster trade requires sacrifice. The Twins would demand meaningful assets in return, likely a combination of prospects and possibly young major leaguers. The Mets would need to carefully evaluate how much future capital they are willing to part with in pursuit of immediate gains. Balancing long-term sustainability with short-term ambition is always delicate.
Still, the argument in favor of pursuing Buxton is compelling. He addresses a clear need: replacing the middle-of-the-order power lost when Alonso departed. He improves the defense dramatically. He adds speed and athleticism. And he aligns with a front office philosophy that has consistently leaned toward star power.
Ultimately, the decision would come down to risk tolerance and timing. Are the Mets confident enough in their competitive window to justify a blockbuster? Do they believe 2026 represents a genuine opportunity to contend if the right pieces are added? If the answer to both questions is yes, then targeting a player of Buxton’s caliber becomes logical.
For now, the proposal remains hypothetical. But it underscores an important reality: the Mets’ offseason likely won’t be quiet. After a year that ended without postseason baseball, significant changes are almost inevitable. Whether those changes include a bold pursuit of Byron Buxton remains to be seen.
What is clear, however, is that replacing Pete Alonso’s power remains unfinished business. If the Mets are serious about returning to October relevance, they may need more than incremental tweaks. They may need a move that redefines the roster.
And according to this proposed blockbuster scenario, that move could involve bringing one of baseball’s most dynamic talents to Queens — a two-time All-Star with a Platinum Glove and the kind of game-changing power that can alter the trajectory of a season.
