MLB Trade Rumors: Is Derrek Lee Even Worth a Rental?

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In 2009, Derrek Lee was 34 years old and had an MVP-caliber season. As the first baseman for the Chicago Cubs, Lee hit .306 with 35 home runs and 111 RBI. Then, a year later, his performance did a complete 180.

He split 2010 between the Cubs and the Atlanta Braves, batting just .260 with 19 home runs and 80 RBI, hitting just .251 with Chicago before being traded. This past offseason, he signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles with the hopes that he could get his swing back.

Needless to say, Lee has not had a good season.

After signing a deal worth $7.25 million, Lee has hit just .248 with 12 homers and 41 RBI. Given how the Orioles are dead last in the AL East and 21 games out of first place, GM Andy MacPhail could end up having a fire sale. According to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun, Lee could be one of the players moved.

Sadly, any team that trades for Lee would be in for a rude awakening. The big first baseman turns 36 in September and it seems pretty obvious that age has caught up with him. On top of that, his new team would probably be on the hook for his remaining salary.

That all being said, while Lee might still have some pop, he just isn't the same player anymore. Teams looking to acquire a big bat for a playoff push should shy away from Lee. Simply put, having him on the team is just too much of a risk.

- Josh Benjamin

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