MLB Trade Rumors: Jose Reyes, Looming Free Agents On Each Club That May Move
With this year's free agent class more or less sorted out, now is a good time to look ahead to the free agents to be of the 2011 offseason, as many of these players will be moved before this season is over.
Whether it is a team that has fallen out of contention looking to get something out of a player who will be gone next season or a contender looking to deal an underperforming player as it makes a playoff push, upcoming free agents always seem to be on the move.
So here are the free agents from each of the 30 Major League Baseball teams who could find themselves ending the 2011 season somewhere other than where they started it.
Atlanta Braves: Nate McLouth
1 of 30
2012 Contract Status: $10.65 million club option, $1.25 million buyout
McLouth has been a bust since coming over from the Pirates midway though the 2009 season for a trio of prospects led by pitcher Charlie Morton, hitting just .190 last season in 242 at bats, and forcing the Braves to trade for Rick Ankiel at the deadline.
Just two seasons removed from a breakout .276 BA, 26 HR, 94 RBI, 23 SB season with the Pirates that made him an All-Star, McLouth would no doubt garner at least some interest on the trade market.
If the Braves can at least avoid spending $1.25 million to buy him out next season, that would be a plus.
Florida Marlins: Omar Infante
2 of 30
2012 Contract Status: Free agent
Despite the controversy that surrounded it, Infante was an All-Star last season, and there is no denying that he is one of the best utility players in baseball.
Unable to re-sign second baseman Dan Uggla, the Marlins dealt him to the Braves for a package that included Infante, and he could share the same fate.
If the Marlins fall out of contention early, which seems likely in the NL East, Infante would be a hot commodity for a playoff bound team looking to bolster their bench.
New York Mets: Jose Reyes
3 of 30
2012 Contract Status: Free agent
Not so long ago, Reyes was arguably the most feared lead-off hitter in all of baseball, leading the NL in steals from 2005-2007, while topping the 60-steal mark each season.
Along with the thefts, he also posted double-digit triples four straight seasons, as his wheels could change a game at the top of the Mets lineup.
However, after a injury-plagued 2009 season, Reyes bounced back with a good 2010 season, when he made the All-Star team.
His contract is up at season's end, and with the Mets presumably not in the NL East race and looking to shed some of the their massive payroll, Reyes could be on the move before he hits the market and gets a big contract from somewhere other than the Mets.
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Philadelphia Phillies: Brad Lidge
4 of 30
2012 Contract Status: $12.5 million club option, $1.5 million buyout
With the Phillies spending with reckless abandon these days, the team is looking to win now.
There are few holes on the roster, but Lidge in the closer's role is at least a cause for concern.
After a sterling 1.95 ERA, 41-of-41 saves season in 2008, Lidge has been a constant headache for the Phillies ever since.
If he struggles again, the Phillies could look to cut their losses and eat the bulk of his 2011 salary to ship Lidge out of town and get something for him while they still can.
Washington Nationals: Livan Hernandez
5 of 30
2012 Contract Status: Free agent
Hernandez enjoyed a bounce-back season last year, posting a 10-12 record with a 3.66 ERA and returning to 200 inning form, as he was the Nationals most consistent starter.
After re-signing this offseason for just one year, $1 million, he will once again open the season as the ace of the Washington staff.
If he starts off well again, there are a number of contending teams who could use a solid, innings-eating veteran in their rotation, and would be willing to give up a few prospects to get him.
Chicago Cubs: Kosuke Fukudome
6 of 30
2012 Contract Status: Free agent
Fukudome has been a huge disappointment in Chicago after signing a four-year, $48 million contract prior to the 2008 season, hitting just .259 BA, 34 HR, 156 RBI over his first three seasons in the league.
At this point, he is just taking at bats away from emerging star Tyler Colvin in right field.
He has a clause in his contract that says the Cubs must re-sign or release him by November 14 of this season, so arbitration is out of the question.
If the Cubs can find any takers for Fukudome, they will jump at the chance. He has good plate discipline and is a plus defender, but the Cubs just have better options.
He could prove to be useful if traded elsewhere.
Cincinnati Reds: Francisco Cordero
7 of 30
2012 Contract Status: $12 million club option, $1 million buyout
Signed to a four-year, $46 million contract by the Reds prior to the 2008 season, Cordero has saved 113 games in his three seasons with the team.
But he has also been far from lights-out, blowing far too many saves and posting a sub-par 3.84 ERA last season.
Cordero will be 36 this season, and while he will open the season as the Reds closer, if he struggles—and even if he doesn't—the job could belong to Aroldis Chapman by midseason.
If the Reds could find a suitor and were willing to eat a good deal of his 2011 salary, Cordero would almost certainly be elsewhere when 2011 comes to a close.
Houston Astros: Jeff Keppinger
8 of 30
2012 Contract Status: Arbitration eligible, free agent in 2013
For the first time last season, Keppinger saw playing time as an everyday starter, and he responded with the best numbers of his career with a line of .288 BA, 6 HR, 59 RBI.
However, this offseason, the Astros signed free agent Bill Hall to play second base and traded the Rockies Felipe Paulino for shortstop Clint Barmes, making Keppinger the odd man out.
While he is a stretch as a starter on most teams, Keppinger is a valuable utility player and the Yankees expressed some interest in him this offseason, although the talks did not go any further than that.
As the season progresses, there will no doubt be more talks surrounding Keppinger, and he will almost certainly be elsewhere by the trade deadline.
Milwaukee Brewers: Prince Fielder
9 of 30
2012 Contract Status: Free agent
At this point, bringing up the potential of a Fielder trade is beyond beating a dead horse.
The Brewers look committed to winning this season after trading for starters Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum this off season, and holding onto Fielder.
However, if the Brewers do fall out of contention before the trade deadline, it only makes sense for the them to move Fielder this season.
There is little chance they will be able to re-sign him and the package of players he would garner would go a long way towards keeping the Brewers in contention.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Ryan Doumit
10 of 30
2012 Contract Salary: $7.25 million in 2012, $8.25 million in 2013, $500,000 buyout
After a breakout 2008 season in which Doumit hit .318 BA, 15 HR and 69 RBI, it looked as though he was on his way to being one of the best offensive catchers in baseball.
However, after injuries cut short his 2009 season, Doumit struggled last season and found himself at odds with the Pirates organization.
Now, he is set to take on a utility role, backing up Chris Snyder at catcher, Lyle Overbay at first base and Garrett Jones in right field.
The team will look to trade him at the first opportunity, and for a team looking for a solid switch-hitting bat, he could certainly help out.
St. Louis Cardinals: Chris Carpenter
11 of 30
2012 Contract Status: $15 million club option, $1 million buyout
This is a trade I have suggested in previous articles, and is still something the Cardinals could consider if they fall out of the NL Central race and are seriously committed to re-signing Albert Pujols this offseason.
Carpenter has been amazing the past two seasons for the Cardinals, and owns an 84-33 record overall in five plus seasons with the team, as he has been a big reason for the Cardinals success over the past several seasons.
However, he will also be 36 this season and his injury history is at least cause for concern, so the Cardinals may choose to move Carpenter and save themselves some money.
The Yankees, with their weak rotation, seem like a reasonable suitor.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Kelly Johnson
12 of 30
2012 Contract Status: Free agent
Johnson came out of nowhere last season, putting up ridiculous power numbers for a second baseman, hitting .284 BA, 26 HR, 71 RBI and also swiping 13 bases.
Not bad for a guy the Diamondbacks signed for just $2.35 million last season.
He is arbitration eligible for the final time this season, and will enter free agency following this season if a long-term deal is not struck.
If he can repeat his numbers from last season, he could be looking at a contract in the neighborhood of four years, $32 million range.
In that case, the rebuilding Diamondbacks would be wise to move the second baseman and keep heading towards rebuilding as opposed to tying up so much money in Johnson.
Colorado Rockies: Aaron Cook
13 of 30
2012 Contract Status: $11 million mutual option, $500,000 buyout
During the 2008 season, Cook posted an impressive 16-9 record with a 3.96 ERA as he made the first All-Star appearance of his career.
The following season he was not as good, but still went 11-6 with a 4.16 ERA.
However, last season he took a big step back, with a 5.08 ERA and just 6-8 record.
Not only that, but he with the emergence of Ubaldo Jimenez, re-signing of Jorge de la Rose, and continued development of Jhoulys Chacin, Cook is now little more than an expensive fourth starter.
Still, he is an innings eater with a good sinker, and could garner some interest if made available.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Jonathan Broxton
14 of 30
2012 Contract Status: Free agent
After spending the first three and a half seasons of his career as a setup man, the flame-throwing Broxton took over as the Dodgers full-time closer in 2009, and dominated with 36 saves and a 13.5 K/9 rate while posting a 2.61 ERA.
However, last season he posted a 4.04 ERA with just 22 saves, and that led to rumors of he and James Loney being dealt to the Brewers for Prince Fielder.
That didn't come to pass, but if Broxton struggles again, he could be dealt and Hong-Chih Kuo could step in as the team's closer.
Back in a setup role, Broxton could thrive on a contender.
San Diego Padres: Heath Bell
15 of 30
2012 Contract Status: Free agent
After several years as Trevor Hoffman's setup man, Bell has come into his own as the Padres closer in the past two seasons, saving 89 games over that span and making the All-Star team both seasons.
The Padres re-signed him for the 2011 season at $7.5 million. With a team payroll under $50 million, it is doubtful that the two sides will agree on a long-term deal before he hits the open market after this season.
Unlike Broxton, Bell is at the top of his game and could be targeted by a contender such as the White Sox, who are in need of a closer.
San Francisco Giants: Mark DeRosa
16 of 30
2012 Contract Status: Free agent
DeRosa was among the most coveted free agents in the league prior to last season, as his versatility makes him an asset to any team he's on.
However, it is hard to be an asset when you aren't on the field, and he missed all but 26 games last season.
The Giants made do without him, and they now have an overabundance of outfielders with Cody Ross, Andres Torres, Aaron Rowand, Pat Burrell, and Nate Schierholtz all vying for playing time along with DeRosa.
If he can open the season hot, DeRosa could net a lot in a midseason trade.
Baltimore Orioles: Mike Gonzalez
17 of 30
2012 Contract Status: Free agent
Gonzalez proved to be one of the best left-handed setup men in all of baseball in 2009, appearing in 80 games and posting a 2.42 ERA while also saving 10 games while seeing some time as the Braves closer.
That was enough for the Orioles to give him a multi-year deal, signing Gonzalez for two years, $12 million.
Giving a reliever a multi-year deal is always risky, as they tend to have mixed results on a season to season basis. Gonzalez was no different—he struggled at times last season, with a 4.01 ERA in 29 games.
Still, left-handed relievers are a commodity, and he will be an attractive trade chip come the trade deadline, or even sooner.
Boston Red Sox: Mike Cameron
18 of 30
2012 Contract Status: Free agent
A number of teams kicked the tires on Cameron last offseason before he eventually chose the Red Sox, stepping in as the team's starting left fielder and filling the void left by the departure of Jason Bay.
Things didn't quite play out as planned, however, as Cameron played in just 48 games due to an abdomen injury.
Now, with the signing of Carl Crawford, Cameron finds himself on the bench as the team's fourth outfielder.
While he will be 38 years old this season, Cameron still has the ability to start, and the Red Sox would clearly be open to moving the expensive bench player.
New York Yankees: No One
19 of 30
The fact of the matter is, the Yankees don't have all that many upcoming free agents in general, and the chances of any of them being traded is slim to none.
Their free agents at season's end are Jorge Posada, Russell Martin and Andruw Jones.
They have a club option on Nick Swisher, Robinson Cano, and Damaso Marte.
The fact of the matter is, none of those players will be on the move in 2011.
Tampa Bay Rays: James Shields
20 of 30
2012 Contract Status: $7 million club option, $2 million buyout in 2012...$9 million club option, $1.5 million buyout in 2013...$12 million club option, $1 million buyout in 2014
Shields is in line to make a good deal of money in the seasons to come, and the Rays do not have the payroll room to be paying someone who is little more than a third starter at this point the money that Shields is due.
He had a tough season last year, posting an ERA of 5.18 and giving up the most hits and home runs of anyone in the American League.
However, he is still an innings eater who is capable of winning 15 games and he is still just 29 years old.
If the Rays can find a taker, they could save themselves a good amount of money down the road.
Toronto Blue Jays: Jose Bautista
21 of 30
2012 Contract Status: Free agent
Bautista was the story of the season in 2010, as he came out of nowhere to lead the majors in home runs with 54 to go along with an impressive 124 RBI as he finished fourth in AL MVP voting.
Still, his breakout season came at the age of 29, and was not without some questions.
Since Bautista is a career utility player, the Blue Jays have been cautious when it comes to contract negotiations. As of now no long-term deal appears to be in the works.
If he starts out the season strong in 2011, the Blue Jays could sell high and deal the free agent to-be.
Chicago White Sox: Mark Buehrle
22 of 30
2012 Contract Status: $15 million vesting option if he is traded
After 148 wins and 11 seasons with the White Sox, Buehrle is in the final year of a four-year, $56 million deal.
The White Sox seem stocked to make a run at the AL Central crown this season after they re-signed Paul Konerko and also acquired free agent slugger Adam Dunn.
As for the rotation, the White Sox currently have John Danks, Gavin Floyd, Jake Peavy and Edwin Jackson along with Buehrle, as well as top prospect Chris Sale waiting in the wings in the bullpen.
That could make Buehrle expendable, and the White Sox could use the payroll relief that moving his $14 million salary in 2011 would bring.
Cleveland Indians: Grady Sizemore
23 of 30
2012 Contract Status: $8.5 million club option, $500,000 buyout
Sizemore burst onto the scene, posting a .289 BA, 22 HR, 81 RBI, 22 SB season as a 22-year old in 2005, and he looked destined to be the game's next great five-tool player.
However, after a string of impressive seasons, he has played in just 139 games total in the past two seasons due to injury. He has been largely ineffective when he was on the field, hitting just .239 over that span.
Chances are he will not be an Indian come 2012, and someone could certainly take a chance on the 27-year-old in a trade as a bounce-back candidate.
Detroit Tigers: Carlos Guillen
24 of 30
2012 Contract Status: Free agent
Since joining the Tigers prior to the 2004 season, coming over in a trade from the Mariners, Guillen has been fantastic for the Tigers, playing all over the field and making three All-Star appearances.
However, he has begun to show signs of wearing down and will turn 35 this season.
Despite hitting just .257 and appearing in only 149 games over the past two seasons, there would no doubt be interest in Guillen should the Tigers make him available.
With Scott Sizemore and Will Rhymes currently waiting in the wings behind Guillen on the depth chart at second base, it could be only a matter of time.
Kansas City Royals: Kyle Davies
25 of 30
2012 Contract Status: Free agent
A former top prospect with the Braves, Davies came to the Royals in the middle of the 2007 season in a trade for Octavio Dotel.
Since that time, he has been a staple in the Royals rotation, although he has struggled at times to keep his ERA under the 5.00 mark.
He has won eight games in each of the past two seasons, but has posted an ERA over 5.00 both seasons. Still, he has proven to be a durable starter, and the chances are remote that the Royals re-sign him after they shelled out $3.2 million for this coming season in his final year of arbitration eligibility.
He could be a low-cost option for a team looking to add depth to the back of their rotation when the trade deadline rolls around.
Minnesota Twins: Joe Nathan
26 of 30
2012 Contract Status: $12.5 million club option, $2 million buyout
Entering the 2010 season, Nathan was among the best and most reliable closers in all of baseball, as he saving an average of 41 games per season from 2004-2009.
However, he missed all of last season with an injury, and the 36 year old will open the season in a setup role, with Matt Capps slated for the ninth-inning role.
Nathan could very well bounce back to closer form, but Capps is a younger and less expensive option at this point.
With a handful of teams in need of a closer and the inevitable injuries that occur throughout the season, the Twins could look to save some money by dealing Nathan.
Los Angeles Angels: Scott Kazmir
27 of 30
2012 Contract Status: $13.5 million club option, $2.5 million buyout
Not so long ago, Kazmir was the ace of the Rays staff, and it turned some heads when the team traded him to the Angels at the 2009 trade deadline. Following that move, he posted a stellar 1.73 ERA in six starts.
However, last year was a struggle for the left hander, as he went 9-15 with a 5.94 ERA while posting the worst strikeout numbers of his career.
Kazmir is still just 27 years old, and he could certainly make a comeback. If he starts the year well, the team could look to sell high, as they already have a solid staff with Jeff Weaver, Dan Haren, Ervin Santana and Joel Pinero, making Kazmir an expensive fifth starter, to say the least.
Oakland Athletics: Conor Jackson
28 of 30
2012 Contract Status: Free agent
Jackson showed tremendous promise in his first three full seasons with the Diamondbacks, with an average line of .292 BA, 14 HR, 71 RBI from 2006-2008.
However, he missed most of the 2009 season with a case of Valley Fever, and after a slow start last season, he was traded to the Athletics.
He is currently behind Daric Barton at first base and Josh Willingham and David DeJesus at the corner outfield positions on the depth chart. He could be in line to be traded again this season if the Athletics can find a suitor.
Seattle Mariners: David Aardsma
29 of 30
2012 Contract Status: Arbitration eligible, free agent in 2013
Aardsma, a once promising prospect with the Giants, bounced around from team to team until landing in Seattle before the 2009 season.
There, he came out of nowhere to seize the closer's role and save 38 games, and while his ERA jumped nearly a full point to 3.44 last season, he still saved 31 games.
After receiving a raise from $2.75 million in 2010 to $4.5 million this season, Aardsma will almost certainly make even more in his final year of arbitration eligibility next year.
The Mariners may look to move him before they have to give him a hefty payday.
Texas Rangers: Colby Lewis
30 of 30
2012 Contract Status: $3.25 million club option, $250,000 buyout
Lewis was a pleasant surprise for the Rangers last season, as he pitched in the big leagues for the first time since 2007, and set career highs across the board.
However, as a 31-year-old with a career track record that says last year was a fluke, the Rangers may look to move him while his value is highest.
The Rangers are short on pitching as it is, so they may need to hold onto Lewis for now. But the chances of him matching his 2011 success seem to be questionable at best.
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