The Braves have been linked to All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton for years now.

The reasoning has always been obvious. The Twins haven’t exactly been championship contenders, while the Braves have been and desperately needed an upgrade in the outfield. Add in the fact that Buxton is a Georgia native with a full no-trade clause, and it’s easy to see why this felt like something that could eventually get done.

The speculation turned into legitimate reports last year, as Dan Hayes — a Twins beat writer for The Athletic — reported the Braves were among a couple of teams that made a strong push for Buxton, but that he was unwilling to waive his no trade clause for anybody.

That’s remained a constant. Despite the Twins’ struggles in recent years, Buxton is as loyal as they come, and it appears to be the case again this time around. With Minnesota within striking distance of a playoff spot, their star outfielder has indicated he has no intentions of waiving his no-trade clause.

“I don’t give a f—,” Buxton, via Dan Hayes of The Athletic. “End of the day, nobody’s in my shoes. Nobody can say anything about what I’m going to do. I know what I’m doing. The only way I’m getting out of here — they’re going to have to come talk to me and tell me something else. Simple as that. … I ain’t said nothing about leaving, nor will I. I’m a Twin.”

At the beginning of the offseason, there was a belief Buxton could be on the move. The Twins sold a ton of their players at last year’s trade deadline, and Hayes reported there was at least some desire from Buxton to play for a winner.

“But a major-league source indicated Tuesday that Buxton, who turns 32 next month, wants to play for a winner and may reconsider his stance for certain clubs if the Twins continue breaking up their roster, potentially by trading starting pitchers Joe Ryan or Pablo López,” Hayes writes. “The two-time All-Star center fielder has three years and $45 million remaining on his current deal, one which grants him full no-trade protection through next season, and the ability to block trades to five clubs in 2027 and 2028.”

That all feels like ancient history at this point, largely because of the Twins’ ability to remain competitive despite the fire sale they underwent. They showed a real commitment to building around Buxton — a clear sign of what he means to the organization from the top down. Unless the Twins implode over the coming years, there doesn’t seem to be a realistic scenario where he ever waives his no-trade clause — the kind of blind loyalty that will only make Braves fans want him that much more.

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(Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire)