Byron Buxton, Twins unable to reach agreement on contract extension

The Minnesota Twins and Byron Buxton, who is set to be a free agent after the 2022 season, were unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Dan Hayes, increasing the likelihood he's traded during the offseason.

The Athletic adds that Buxton is unlikely to be moved by the July 30 trade deadline because he is still on the injured list with a fractured left hand. 

Minnesota reportedly offered Buxton a seven-year, $73 million extension, which included a unique incentive package that would have increased its potential value, according to Rosenthal and Hayes. 

Buxton's camp then countered, and the Twins upped their offer to a guaranteed $80 million, but the two sides still couldn't come to an agreement. 

The 27-year-old is one of the most exciting players in baseball when healthy. However, he has played more than 100 games in a season just once in his seven-year career. In 27 games this season, he's hitting .369/.409/.767 with 10 home runs and 19 RBI. 

The Twins are fifth in the AL Central with a 42-57 record and will likely be sellers at the July 30 trade deadline. Jose Berrios, Josh Donaldson and Andrelton Simmons are among the players Minnesota could part ways with at the deadline.

Slugger Nelson Cruz already was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for two pitching prospects. However, he said in an Instagram post that he would consider re-signing with the Twins when he hits free agency after the 2021 campaign.