The Diamondbacks and Dodgers are among the teams that are looking for third base help this summer. Here’s a preview of some potentially available third basemen:
- Chase Headley, Padres – The Padres control Headley's rights through 2014 and he's earning just $3.48MM this year, so there's no need to move the 28-year-old in the short or long-term. He's hitting .272/.374/.421, which would make him one of the trade market’s most sought-after players.
- Placido Polanco, Phillies – It's unclear if the Phillies will be willing to trade veterans such as Polanco. The 36-year-old is hitting just .269/.314/.346, so he's not the offensive threat he was five years ago. He earns $6.25MM this year and his contract includes a $5.5MM mutual option for 2013.
- Chone Figgins, Mariners – Figgins would not necessarily draw interest on the trade market even if the Mariners agreed to take on his entire salary. The 34-year-old has a .186/.245/.276 batting line in 165 plate appearances.
- Mike Fontenot, Phillies – Fontenot's playing time has been reduced since Chase Utley returned from the disabled list. He's now a bench player with a .338/.378/.403 batting line and the ability to play multiple infield positions.
- Cody Ransom, Brewers – The Brewers, who selected Ransom from Arizona in May, could trade him if they become sellers this month. The infielder has a .216/.318/.405 batting line in 171 plate appearances so far this year.
- Once Evan Longoria returns from the disabled list, the Rays could be positioned to trade an infielder such as Sean Rodriguez, Brooks Conrad, Jeff Keppinger or Will Rhymes.
- In theory, the Angels could consider deals for Alberto Callaspo or Maicer Izturis and move Mark Trumbo to the hot corner. Trumbo now has some experience at third base, but he hasn't played there since May 3rd.
MLBTR started previewing the trade market this week with a look at potentially available catchers, first basemen and second basemen.
