MLB Trade Rumors: Teams That Should Be Interested in Dealing for Kevin Youkilis

The time has arrived for the Boston Red Sox to part ways with Kevin Youkilis. He wasn't hitting his weight (even if you believe he's really 220 pounds) before he went down with a back injury, and his .219 batting average continues the decline that began last season when he hit just .258.

Beyond what Youkilis wasn't doing, the Red Sox are excited about what Will Middlebrooks can do.

Nick Cafardo of boston.com believes there are teams that would be interested in acquiring Youkilis. He writes:

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If he can show he’s healthy, there’s a strong third base market out there for the Red Sox. According to a National League special assignment scout, “The Giants are one of a few teams who are actively looking. They would love a guy with some power. The Phillies are looking, and even though the Rays say they aren’t, don’t be surprised if they try to pick someone up."

"

Besides those teams, there are a couple teams Cafardo hasn't mentioned that should also have some interest in acquiring Youkilis. He's only 33 years old, so it's possible he just needs a change of scenery.

When Youkilis is ready, the Red Sox need to get him on the field in some capacity to showcase him for other teams.

Here are a few teams that could provide Youkilis a fresh start:

Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles and their 25-14 record are one of the biggest surprises of the year. They currently have Wilson Betemit at 3B, and he and Nick Johnson have handled DH duties. Johnson has been terrible this year, hitting under .200, and Betemit hasn't been setting the park on fire either.

Betemit's already made seven errors in the field, so the O's certainly don't have an untouchable at 3B.

If the O's are willing to take on Youkilis' salary, he could help strengthen this surprising team.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The D'Backs are eight games out of first place. They have underachieved, but as we saw last season in the NL, anything can happen down the stretch.

They are not set at 3B with Ryan Roberts, and young Paul Goldschmidt is struggling at first base. If Youkilis could get playing time at first or third, he could provide this lineup, which is currently ranked 18th in the majors in runs, a shot in the arm.

Of course, all this is contingent on Youkilis looking better after his back injury. If he looks good, the Red Sox should move him.

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