MLB Trade Speculation: 50 Hitters Who Could Move at the Deadline
As we wrap up the month of May, it is hard to believe that we are already halfway through the first half of the 2011 baseball season, and already it is starting to become clear who will be in contention when the playoff races begin to heat up, and who will be looking ahead to next year.
With the trade deadline just two months away, the rumor mill will no doubt start to heat up even more as the weather does the same, and while pitching wins championships, you don't even make it to the playoffs without a good offense.
So here are 50 hitters who have a chance to move at the deadline, as teams look to make the most of the 2011 season while still looking ahead to the future.
Baltimore Orioles: SS Robert Andino
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Andino, a former Marlin who has been with the Orioles for the past three seasons, is among the most versatile players in the league, as he can play second, shortstop, third and outfield.
He is nothing special offensively, with a .269 average so far this season, but he is posting a career best .372 on-base percentage so far this season, and his ability to move all over the diamond could mean that's enough for someone to try to acquire him.
Tampa Bay Rays: C Kelly Shoppach
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Shoppach had a huge season in 2008, hitting .261 BA, 21 HR, 55 RBI and followed that up with another solid offensive season in 2009 with 12 HR and 40 RBI.
That earned him a two-year, $5.55 million contract from the Rays, and he responded with a .196 BA, 5 HR, 17 RBI line last season.
It has been more of the same this year, as he's hitting .162 BA, 2 HR, 7 RBI and is playing only when John Jaso absolutely needs a day off. The Rays would no doubt take anything they can get for Shoppach, but he is an experienced backstop, and there is a shortage of them, so it could happen.
Arizona Diamondbacks: 3B Melvin Mora
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After receiving far more at-bats than expected last season and performing well, Mora signed with the Diamondbacks this offseason to provide some depth across the infield.
Now 39 years old, Mora is no longer the player he was with the Orioles, but he is still a versatile player with above average offensive skills when put in the right situation.
He could catch on with a contender at the deadline, as teams can never have enough veteran players with the ability to play multiple positions.
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Florida Marlins: 3B Wes Helms
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After serving as the Marlins starter by default at third base for the past three seasons, it looked as though Helms would be keeping the hot corner warm for one more season while top prospect Matt Dominguez continues to progress through the system.
However, the Marlins also brought in Greg Dobbs from the Phillies for depth, and he has effective snatched the job from Helms, hitting .359 BA, 2 HR, 20 RBI as he has been a very pleasant surprise.
Helms is a professional hitter with the ability to contribute in a platoon role, and there are a number of teams with holes at third base, which could mean there is a market for the veteran.
Los Angeles Angles: C Jeff Mathis
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After trading Mike Napoli in the offseason, it looked as though Mathis would have the starting catching job unquestioned for at least a season while prospect Hank Conger continued to progress toward the job.
However, the Conger era has begun, and Mathis and his .191 batting average have been benched. As lacking as he is offensively, he is a good defensive catcher, and the market is slim on backstops. He could receive some interest if the Angles make him available.
Arizona Diamondbacks: 1B Xavier Nady
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Nady, who was once a 25 HR and 97 RBI guy back in 2008 before undergoing his second Tommy John surgery, is filling a role similar to the one he did last year with the Cubs as the Diamondbacks primary pinch-hitter and occasional first baseman.
He is a good hitter and has some power, but perhaps more importantly, he is comfortable coming off the bench which is almost certainly what he would be doing on any team that acquired him.
Cincinnati Reds: LF Jonny Gomes
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Gomes is coming off of a very productive season with the Reds in which he hit 18 home runs and drove in 86 runs for the NL Central winners. However, this season has been a struggle.
While he has seven home runs and 19 RBI, he is hitting just .191 and still striking out a ton. He is a liability defensively, so a move to a team where he could be a part-time DH while he regains his power stroke may be the best move for everyone involved.
Oakland Athletics: UT Conor Jackson
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Jackson, once a promising young first baseman with the Diamondbacks, has struggled to find playing time the past two seasons as a member of the Athletics, and this year he is bouncing all over the field just to find at-bats.
However, that added versatility only boosts his trade value, and the fact that he is still just 29 years old leaves cause for hope that he can perhaps return to his Diamondbacks form should someone give him a shot at regular at-bats.
Cincinnati Reds: SS Edgar Renteria
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With Paul Janish getting the majority of the starts at shortstop for the Reds, Renteria has been relegated to the bench, and he is hitting just .231 on the season in 91 at-bats.
However, with his veteran experience, and his track record of playoff success, one would imagine he would have a spot on a playoff team if the Reds made him available for a reasonable price.
San Diego Padres: 1B Brad Hawpe
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Hawpe is a ways removed from his 20-plus home run days with the Rockies, but he is still a good hitter and a capable run producer.
More importantly for his trade value, he is a left-handed hitter and is capable of playing multiple positions, the type of players many teams are looking for to fill out their bench.
Arizona Diamondbacks: 3B Ryan Roberts
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After coming out of no where in 2009 to post a surprising .279 BA, 7 HR, 25 RBI line in just 305 at-bats, Roberts spent most of last season at Triple-A, but this season, he has served as the Diamondbacks primary third baseman now that Mark Reynolds is no longer with the team.
So far this season, Roberts is hitting a solid .279 BA, 7 HR, 22 RBI while posting a team best .386 on-base percentage.
A late bloomer, Roberts is already 30 years old, but he has shown the type of on-base skills that would make him a valuable addition to a contender, and the Diamondbacks could look to see high on him while he is still impressing.
Seattle Mariners: DH Jack Cust
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Cust brings one thing to the table, and that is power hitting as he has 97 longballs over the past four seasons despite averaging just 434 at-bats per season.
However, he only has one home run so far this season as the Mariners primary DH. Nonetheless, left-handed power hitters to come of the bench always find someone willing to give up a mid-level prospect to acquire them.
Washington Nationals: UT Jerry Hairston Jr.
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Hairston Jr. has bounced around quite a bit of late, as the Nationals mark his fourth franchise since the beginning of the 2009 season, and he has continued to find his way onto rosters thanks to his versatility and adequate power.
Last season, he played five different positions and hit 10 home runs with 50 RBI, and he is one pace for similar numbers this season.
A deadline pickup by the Yankees in 2009, he could be headed for the same fate this season, on his way to his fifth team in three years.
Seattle Mariners: 2B Adam Kennedy
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Part of the group assigned to the task of keeping second base warm while Dustin Ackley makes his way towards the major leagues, Kennedy has been a pleasant surprise this season on a team that has absolutely no offense.
With a line of .290 BA, 4 HR, 13 RBI he is easily one of the team's three or four most productive hitters, and he could fill a hole for a team down the road if a second baseman goes down with an injury, as Kennedy is capable of starting on a regular basis and producing.
Oakland Athletics: RF David DeJesus
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One of the most sought after players on the trade block last season before he tore a tendon in his thumb and missed the remainder of the season, DeJesus may find himself on the block once again this season.
Despite the injury, he landed a one-year, $6 million contract which makes him the highest paid player on the team, and he is hitting just .253 so far. Regardless he could be moved, but if he can improve his numbers he will have the same type of buzz that surrounded him last year around the deadline.
Boston Red Sox: SS Marco Scutaro
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After struggling through a revolving door at shortstop since Nomar Garciaparra was traded to the Cubs, the Red Sox suddenly find themselves with an abundance of shortstops in Scutaro, Jed Lowrie and rookie Jose Iglesias.
With a strong start to the season, it appears as though Lowrie will receive the bulk of the playing time the rest of the season, with the 21-year-old Iglesias being groomed to eventually take over.
That leaves Scutaro, who signed a two-year, $12.5 million contract before last season, as the odd man out. The Red Sox could look to deal him for pitching, and he could benefit from a return to the utility role he thrived in during his time with the Athletics.
Pittsburgh Pirates: RF Matt Diaz
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The Pirates have two outfield spots locked up with Jose Tabata and Andrew McCutchen both integral parts of the Pirates future plans. However, when the Pirates signed Matt Diaz to a two-year, $4.25 million deal, it seemed as though he would be the third outfielder.
That, however, has not been the case, as he has just 85 at-bats on the season. Diaz is a valuable player who has thrived in a bench role in the past, and he would be a sound addition to a contender in search of a backup outfielder who is more than capable of starting. Could he be this year's Cody Ross?
Chicago Cubs: 2B Blake DeWitt
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Heading into spring training, it looked as though DeWitt was the favorite to win the starting second base job, or at worst be in a platoon with Jeff Baker. Instead, Darwin Barney came out of no where to steal the starting second base job, and DeWitt has struggled to find playing time.
He has made just 45 at-bats and has played all over the field to get them. With Baker locked in as Aramis Ramirez's backup at third base and Barney having a hold on the second base job, DeWitt is the odd man out.
Still, he is only 25 years old and has shown offensive potential both with the Cubs and previously with the Dodgers. He could only need a chance at regular playing time to show the type of player he can be.
Toronto Blue Jays: 3B Edwin Encarnacion
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Traded from the Reds to the Blue Jays in the deal that sent Scott Rolen to Cincinnati, Encarnacion has never quite lived up to the lofty expectations that made him a big leaguer at the age of 22.
Now, he is in danger of losing his job very soon, as Brett Lawrie whom the Jays acquired from the Brewers in the Shaun Marcum deal, is hitting .350 BA, 14 HR, 44 RBI right now in Triple-A and should be up sometime soon.
Oakland Athletics: LF Josh Willingham
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Willingham, signed in the offseason in an attempt to bring some power to a lineup that was epically lacking in the power department last season, has been a disappointment this season.
He has a team-high eight home runs, but he is hitting just .238 and striking out a ton with 56 in just 164 at-bats. Still, power hitters are always in demand, and he could be a key bat off the bench for someone come October.
Houston Astros: SS Clint Barmes
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The Astros signed the former Rockies shortstop in an effort to bolster what was a poor infield last season offensively. However, Angel Sanchez has received most of the playing time at the position so far this season.
Barmes, just two seasons removed from a 23 home run season with the Rockies, has the ability to play second, shortstop, third and some outfield, and he can provide some pop of the bench as well.
With the Astros clearly committed to Sanchez, look for Barmes to be on his way out in Houston, and there will be a number of teams interested in the veteran.
Kansas City Royals: RF Jeff Francoeur
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The Royals hit on two low-risk, high-reward signings this offseason when they inked Melky Cabrera and Francoeur to one-year deals.
Both players have a history of not living up to their potential and of going on impressive streaks only to fall back to earth quickly.
For as deep as the Royals system is, they are short on outfield talent, and it would make sense for them to hold onto one of these guys moving forward, and I think that guy is Cabrera. On the flip side, if Francoeur keeps it up, he should be a hot commodity in a weak outfield market.
Florida Marlins: UT Omar Infante
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Perhaps the most puzzling All-Star selection of all time, Infante was actually recognized last season for his impressive work as a utility infielder when he was named to the NL-squad despite not really having a position.
He was then shipped to Florida in the Dan Uggla trade and given the everyday second base job. His average has fallen to .246 after he hit an impressive .321 last season, and a change of scenery and return to his utility role could turn his season around.
Boston Red Sox: CF Mike Cameron
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When the Red Sox signed Cameron prior to the 2010 season, it was in the hopes that he would serve as a right handed hitter in a platoon situation with center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury.
However, with Ellsbury playing well this season, it is hard to justify keeping him out of the lineup, and Cameron has managed to record just 53 at-bats thus far on the season.
He is making $7.75 million this season, so it would almost certainly take the Red Sox eating some of that money, but there would no doubt be some teams interested in a slick fielding center fielder with good power like Cameron, even if he is 38 years old.
Houston Astros: UT Bill Hall
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Hall is the definition of a utility player, and he has made a career out of power hitting and versatility, playing all over the infield and outfield throughout his 10 year big league career.
Last season alone, Hall played seven different positions, while hitting 18 home runs as a member of the Red Sox.
The Astros signed him to a one-year deal this offseason to be the everyday second baseman, but he will be a highly sought after commodity at the deadline and should end up back in a utility role on a playoff-bound team.
Pittsburgh Pirates: RF Garrett Jones
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Jones came out of nowhere in 2009 as a 28-year-old rookie, hitting .293 BA, 21 HR, 44 RBI in just 82 games, and he looked to be ready to anchor the Pirates lineup for at least a few seasons.
However, he followed that up with a .247 BA, 21 HR, 86 RBI season over 158 games last season, and it looks as though he will struggled to approach that .293 average again, as he is hitting .242 so far this season.
Still, he has good power and is a left-handed hitter, so he will be in demand if he hits the trade market. With his arbitration eligibility set to kick in next season, the Pirates may look to deal him now.
Kansas City Royals: LF Alex Gordon
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Gordon was a stud coming out of the University of Nebraska, as the Royals took him second overall in the 2005 draft. However, his career has been a disappointment to this point, as he entered this season with a career .244 average in three seasons worth of big league time.
However, he is off to a good start this season, hitting .282 BA, 6 HR, 28 RBI and leading the AL with 18 doubles. He is arbitration eligible next season and could be in line for a big raise, so the Royals may look to sell high on Gordon in case he regresses back to his old numbers.
Los Angeles Dodger: 3B Casey Blake
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The Dodgers have a pair of veteran options at the hot corner in Casey Blake and Juan Uribe, and to this point, it has been Uribe who has gotten the majority of the playing time as Blake has battled injuries.
Blake is 37 years old, but he is still a good hitter and an above average defender, and he is capable of starting on a number of teams. The Dodgers already have a deep bench and could look to move him for some bullpen help.
Baltimore Orioles: 1B Derrek Lee
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After spending nearly seven seasons with the Cubs, Lee was dealt at the deadline to the Braves last season, and when the Braves chose not to bring him back this season, he signed a one-year, $7.25 million deal with the Orioles.
The Orioles, however, are not yet ready to contend, and it seems unlikely they would bring Lee back on anything but a similar one-year deal, so he could be used as trade bait at the deadline for a team such as the Rays who are in need of a first baseman and some offense.
Oakland Athletics: CF Coco Crisp
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Crisp, like nearly every other Athletics outfielder, should be made available for a reasonable offer, and he may be the most intriguing of the group.
A solid table-setter with very good speed, Crisp has 15 steals on the season, and there a number of teams lacking a true leadoff hitter. Throw in his good defensive play, and he could be a difference maker down the stretch for someone.
Chicago Cubs: RF Kosuke Fukudome
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Fukudome, in the final season of the four-year, $48 million contract he signed prior to the 2008 season, has been a disappointment to this point in his career in the U.S., but he is in the midst of a solid season.
Hitting mostly leadoff, Fukudome is batting .309 on the season with an impressive .433 on-base percentage which is good for fourth best in the National League.
The Cubs would jump at the chance for someone to eat some of the $13.5 million he is owed this season, and his value is the highest it has been since he first announced he was coming to the states.
Kansas City Royals: 3B Wilson Betemit
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The Royals are in full scale youth movement mode, and so far so good with the youngsters who have already been called up. One call-up that could be on the horizon is third baseman Mike Moustakas, a slugger currently in Triple-A.
Betemit is having a nice season for the Royals, hitting .313 BA, 2 HR, 21 RBI with a team-high .381 on-base percentage as well. This has only boosted his trade stock, and the Royals could use him to help shore up their pitching issues.
Washington Nationals: C Ivan Rodriguez
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Rumors have swirled of late that Rodriguez may be on his way out of Washington, and he has slowly been phased out for rookie backstop Wilson Ramos to take over.
A future Hall of Famer and one of the best to ever thrown on the gear, Rodriguez deserves better to end his career, and with so few catchers available there should be at least a few teams willing to take a chance on "Pudge," even if it is not in an everyday role.
San Diego Padres: LF Ryan Ludwick
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Ludwick was acquired by the Padres from the Cardinals at the deadline last July in the deal that sent Jake Westbrook to the Cardinals as the Padres looked to bolster their lineup for a playoff push.
Back in the cellar of the NL West, the Padres will no doubt be sellers this season, and Ludwick could be the first to go. He is currently leading the team with eight home runs and 30 RBI, although he is hitting just .228.
Minnesota Twins: RF Michael Cuddyer
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The Twins have a decision to make this offseason, or sooner, as outfielders Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel are both set to be free agents, and chances are the team will only keep one of them with Delmon Young and Denard Span locked into two spots already.
While Cuddyer is more versatile, he is three years older and already making $10.5 million this season, compared to just $5.25 million that Kubel is making.
With his ability to play second and third on top of the outfield, Cuddyer could net the Twins a good return if they decide to part ways with him before he becomes a free agent and they lose him with nothing to show for it.
Pittsburgh Pirates: C Ryan Doumit
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Doumit put himself in the category of "offensive catcher" with a line of .318 BA, 15 HR, 69 RBI season back in 2008, but he has not been able to duplicate those numbers since as he has always found himself in a platoon with someone else.
This year is no different, as he is splitting time with Chris Snyder, and with free agency on the horizon at season's end he could be on his way out of Pittsburgh. Perhaps he is the answer to the catcher situation in San Francisco.
Detroit Tigers: RF Magglio Ordonez
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Ordonez is far from the player he once was, and at the age of 37, he is nearing the end of an impressive career. As of now, he has lost his starting job to Ryan Raburn and is hitting just .172 on the season.
That said, veteran players with impressive track records always seem to find themselves on the bench of a contender in the playoffs, much like Mike Sweeney with the Phillies and Lance Berkman with the Yankees last season. If the Tigers decide to move Ordonez, he could make an impact for someone else in September.
San Diego Padres: 2B Orlando Hudson
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The Padres looked to have made significant upgrade in their middle infield when they signed Orlando Hudson and trade for shortstop Jason Bartlett this past offseason, but the O-Dog has struggled this season with the bat.
Generally considered a good offensive second baseman, the 33-year-old Hudson is hitting just .217 this season and has just seven RBI and zero home runs. That, coupled with the fact that he signed a two-year, $11.5 million contract before the season, could lead the Padres to try to unload him for whatever they can get.
Cleveland Indians: CF Grady Sizemore
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The Indians are the story of the 2011 season to this point, and they look to have the pitching to compete in the AL Central all season long.
Sizemore, a free agent at season's end, has been solid when in the lineup but has once again been hampered by injuries. Even with the Indians in contention, the team would likely take what they can get for Sizemore if he can string together a month of health.
He has the talent to intrigue a team into dealing for him, and the Indians would be wise to pull the trigger and send the injury prone center fielder out of town.
Arizona Diamondbacks: SS Stephen Drew
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The Diamondbacks are in process of rebuilding, and they have a number of talented young players as they head towards contention once again. That said, the will no doubt be sellers at the deadline, and they have a few pieces that could fetch a decent return.
In Drew, the Diamondbacks have a shortstop in his prime who is solid offensively and defensively. However, he seems to have peaked and a .270 BA, 12 HR, 60 RBI season is about all you can expect at this point.
Due to make $7.75 million next season, a raise of over $3 million, with a $10 million team option the following season, Drew will soon be paid like a star when he is above average at best. Moving him now would be a smart move by the Diamondbacks, and he could certainly help a contender.
San Francisco Giants: UT Mark DeRosa
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During the offseason prior to the 2010 season, DeRosa was among the most sought after free agents in all of baseball, as he is the ultimate utility player, someone who has no set position but can produce over 500 or so at-bats with a different position each day.
However, after missing most of last season with an injury, he found himself in an outfield that features Pat Burrell, Aaron Rowand, Nate Schierholtz, Cody Ross and Andres Torres, and at-bats have been scarce to say the least.
Still, he has the ability to make an immediate impact if he can get out from under the logjam he is trapped in with the Giants.
Toronto Blue Jays: 2B Aaron Hill
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Any time a player posts a line of .286 BA, 36 HR, 108 RBI, they've had a good season, but when that player is a second baseman, they are approaching elite offensive status, and Hill did just that with his breakout 2009 season.
However, his 2010 season was a rough one, despite 26 home runs, as he hit just .206 in 528 at-bats.
Even worse, he is homer-less to open the season this year and hitting a unimpressive .241. He is a free agent at season's end, and the Blue Jays could look to unload him on a team willing to bank on him returning to his 2009 form.
New York Mets: CF Carlos Beltran
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Beltran is in the final year of the monster seven-year, $119 million deal he signed with the Mets prior to the 2005 season, and he is enjoying a good season after battling injuries the past two years.
Hitting .275 BA, 8 HR, 28 RBI on the season, he will be one of the best outfield options on the market when the Mets inevitably decide to blow things up, and while the Mets will have to eat a good chunk of the $18.5 million he is owed this year to pull it off, any money they could save would help their rebuild.
Arizona Diamondbacks: 2B Kelly Johnson
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Johnson, much like Aaron Hill, came out of nowhere to post huge power numbers at the second base position with a .284 BA, 26 HR, 71 RBI season last year in his first season with the Diamondbacks.
Signed to a two-year, $5.85 million deal, Johnson is a free agent at season's end and could be on the move. He already has seven home runs and 19 RBI this season but is hitting just .210.
If he can raise his average, which would be expected after he hit .284 last season and .265 for his career, then he could have some real value on the trade market as he is still in his prime.
Los Angeles Dodgers: SS Rafael Furcal
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With free agency looming, Furcal has a $12 million option that vests if he makes 600 plate appearances. However, a broken thumb put him on the shelf for over a month, so it seems unlikely he will reach that number.
Not only was he injured, but Jamey Carrol played very well in his absence, and the team could think of moving the talented shortstop. He does have a full no-trade clause as his 10-and-5 rights kicked in this season. Still, if the right situation arises, chances are he would waive that for a chances to make a playoff run or receive a contract extension.
Baltimore Orioles: DH Vladimir Guerrero
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The Orioles made a splash this offseason when they completely overhauled their offense in an effort to give their many young pitchers a few more runs to work with as they continue their development.
Perhaps the biggest name they added was Vladimir Guerrero, as he enjoyed a resurgence last season with the Rangers but found little interest on the free-agent market, signing a one-year, $8 million deal to join the Orioles.
With Baltimore still a couple years from legitimately contending and Guerrero again hitting well with a .302 BA, 5 HR, 21 RBI line, he could be a huge pickup at the deadline for someone and could fetch a good package for the building Orioles.
Chicago White Sox: RF Carlos Quentin
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The White Sox stocked their team to make a title run this season, but thus far, things have not gone well for the South Siders, as they have a 24-31 record and are 9.5 games out of first.
If things don't turn around by the All-Star break, you can expect GM Kenny Williams to shake things up and make at least a few moves, and one could be shipping out the soon to be arbitration-eligible Quentin who is in line for a big raise.
He would be one of the most intriguing trade prospects in all of baseball and could land the White Sox a nice package of prospects.
Texas Rangers: 3B Michael Young
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When the Rangers signed Adrian Beltre this offseason, it seemed a foregone conclusion that Michael Young was on his way out of Texas, yet here we are at the end of May, and he is hitting .332 and getting more than enough at-bats as a utility player/DH.
The trouble is, Young is making $16 million this year and for the next two years, and that is a ton of money to pay a designated hitter. That could lead the Rangers to move Young in an attempt to free up some money, a move Young would no doubt welcome.
New York Mets: SS Jose Reyes
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The talks of a Mets firesale have been going on all season, and by far the most intriguing piece of those talks is where Jose Reyes will end up.
Reyes is one of the most dynamic leadoff men in the game, and the talks of a move to the Giants have been so frequent that it is almost looked at as a foregone conclusion. While it certainly makes sense, there will no doubt be other suitors for Reyes when he is made available.
Milwaukee Brewers: 1B Prince Fielder
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The rumors of Prince Fielder being dealt are nothing new, so I won't beat a dead horse here, but there is still that chance he is shipped off before the July deadline passes if the Brewers think it's in their best interest.
Teams like the Rays and Angels are in the thick of things and in need of an upgrade at first base. Time will tell if Fielder is an option, as any trade will come with a $150 million-plus extension.
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