MLB Trade Rumors: Michael Bourn Should Be Hot Commodity at Trade Deadline

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While many teams are looking for a slugger such as Carlos Beltran, Josh Willingham and perhaps even Aramis Ramirez, the Houston Astros have a man who should be a hot commodity at the trade deadline—outfielder Michael Bourn.

Bourn is one of the more underrated outfielders in the game with blazing speed in center field and on the base paths. He has the ability and prowess to turn a single into a double or triple in a single at-bat.

Most teams are looking to bolster its lineup with a slugger to produce instant runs, but a player of Bourn’s caliber could very well do the same from the leadoff spot.

“Houston Astros centerfielder Michael Bourn could be an attractive trade target for contending clubs looking for outfield help, particularly clubs such as the Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers, and possibly even the Detroit Tigers who may have to place Austin Jackson on the disabled list,” according to ESPN’s Jason A. Churchill.

It’s been a fairytale ride for Bourn. He was born in Houston, went to college at Houston and now plays Major League ball in Houston. I adore storybook tales such as these and think it would be amazing if he remained in Houston for the remainder of his career.

Yet it is clearly time to move on despite how difficult it will surely be.

The Astros organization is not going anywhere but down. He and Hunter Pence form a great building block for the future, but Bourn could be the catalyst for a Championship run. It may be nice to enjoy some home cooking, but careers are generally defined by victory.

The 28-year-old is hitting .291 with one homer, 22 2B, 7 3B, 28 RBI, 35 SB and 60 runs scored. As he enters the prime of his life, he continues to improve in all facets of the game—especially his specialties, which include hitting for average, stealing bases to enter scoring position and playing excellent defense.

The Texas Rangers make the most sense for Bourn.

He will stay close to home and would score a ton of runs in the remarkable high-octane lineup. The team needs a boost in center field and would be comfortable leading off are anchoring the tail end of the lineup. He fits Texas’ needs and Texas fills his as well. They are an aggressive bunch in the field and on the base paths, which suits Bourn’s abilities.

He should be an affordable option for the Rangers, who would continue to improve its chances to win the World Series in November.

-Brandon Galvin is a Bleacher Report Featured Columnist and Syndicated Writer. Follow Him on Twitter.

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