Phillies' 'perfect' trade match doesn't compare to Byron Buxton

Jul 24, 2026 - 14:55

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Phillies' 'perfect' trade match doesn't compare to Byron Buxton originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

There's almost no chance Byron Buxton will be wearing a Philadelphia Phillies uniform after the trade deadline.

Buxton, a three-time All-Star and Platinum Glove Award winner with the Minnesota Twins, remains loyal to the organization that drafted him in 2012.

He has said countless times that he won't waive his no-trade clause, yet reporters keep asking him about it.

Why? To stir up rumors, probably.

On paper, Buxton would've been the perfect fit in the outfield for the Phillies. They need a right-handed hitter, writes The Athletic's Jim Bowden.

Instead of Buxton, Bowden tabbed a veteran from the Kansas City Royals as the "perfect" trade fit for the Phillies.

Lane Thomas could be a 'perfect' fit with Phillies

"The Phillies have been looking for a right-handed hitting outfielder, and Thomas would be a perfect match. He can play all three outfield positions and, more importantly, rakes against left-handed pitching," Bowden wrote.

Thomas, an impending free agent, has had a solid and lengthy MLB career. He's never posted an OPS above .783 in a season with over 100 games played, but 20 homers per 162 games is not too shabby.

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"Through Wednesday, he had a career .289/.360/.498 line with 28 homers over 806 plate appearances versus lefties," Bowden added. "In general, he’s done a solid job getting on base this season, with a .337 OBP."

Thomas could be a solid option for Philadelphia's lineup against lefties. Is he at the same level as Buxton on both sides of the ball?

No, but very few players in the sport are.