The Philadelphia Phillies are in dire need of three key spots this summer at the trade deadline: a No.
5 starting pitcher, a back-end reliever, and a right-handed hitting outfielder.
They've been actively searching for a fifth starter, and clearly need a bullpen arm with Brad Keller's injury.
The outfield need has been the most evident one for the team this season.
There is one player who'd be a perfect fit: Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins.
However, the Phillies got some bad news on Buxton's trade odds from Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel of ESPN, as the Twins outfielder has just a 10% chance of being dealt.
Phillies perfect trade fit in Byron Buxton has just 10% chance of being traded "2.
Byron Buxton, CF, Minnesota Twins.
Chance of being traded: 10%," McDaniel and Passan projected weeks from the deadline.
His odds of being traded have steadily diminished this season, with Buxton repeatedly noting he has no plans to waive his no-trade clause, and the Twins have become legitimate fringe postseason contenders.
While the Phillies would surely love to add Buxton, with the Twins just 3.0 games out of the AL Wild Card, and 5.0 back from the AL Central lead, they're not far back enough to consider trading Buxton.
The 32-year-old outfielder is under club control through the 2028 season on his seven-year, $100 million contract.
MORE: Phillies would love to trade for Mets reliever Luke Weaver This season, Buxton has a .275 batting average with 25 homers and 3.1 bWAR in 309 at-bats with a .907 OPS.
He earned his third All-Star nod, though he was out for the festivities due to an injury.
For the Phillies, there's no better trade target than Buxton this summer for their right-handed hitting outfield need.
He's the dream pickup, but the odds of a deal seem slim.
ESPN gives Buxton just a 10% chance of being traded, which, in turn, means the Phillies' odds are likely even lower than that, with how they're surely not alone in their interest in Buxton.
While the Phillies might still have a chance to trade for Buxton, the 10% update from ESPN should have the Phillies and their fans exploring other options like Taylor Ward or Jo Adell for their right-handed hitting outfield need this summer.
More MLB news: - Braves injury update on Spencer Strider has execs pessimistic about a 2026 return - Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani injury update essentially ends Cy Young chances - White Sox have strong interest in Mets Clay Holmes with scout attending rehab assignment - Yankees send scouts to Cubs vs.
Twins series amid trade interest in three players - MLB execs believe Padres will trade Mason Miller at trade deadline.
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