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.
Maybe if they write enough Headley articles he might actually get traded, 1 a day was good but now 2 this is getting serious 😉
You guys forgot to add Orlando Hudson!
If I am the Orioles, I would try and get Polanco.
Maybe Chone Figgins, if the price is right.
Headley I don’t think is going anywhere especially to the Orioles.
Fontenot is a DFA candidate, he is terrible!
Figgins isn’t a DFA candidate?
Chone Figgins is way done and I would rather have Betemit at 3rd if I’m the O’s and betemit has a terrible glove.
I agree with headley though I think he makes perfect sense for the Orioles given their need at third and his contract status coupled with age.
Fontenot would be an asset off the bench but not as an everyday player but he is not terrible.
Nick Punto bargain bin belongs here.. Free to anyone who wants to pay his 2/3m contract
Agree with Lefty above.. Figgins *might* be a decent utility fit, if Seattle would pay his contract and fits the Duquette mold as a rehab guy. his bat might come to life out of that morgue in Seattle also and anyone is better than Reynolds.
I actually think Figgins may be the one guy who is not better than Reynolds.
Yuni!!!!! (please)
trumbo is done playing 3B….
noone was saying he was available. He is really in a groove this year. Kinda funny, he was an 18th round pick.
he was an 18th round pick cause people weren’t sure if he’d sign or go to USC and he was coming off a major injury.
Just saying how often times you get surprises in the draft. It’s not just top picks.
reading comp
In the right deal Matt Carpenter of the Cards is available. With the exception of Headley he is better than all those mentioned and much cheaper!
How would you know?
Overlooked and undervalued is Juan Francisco. Francisco needs consistent at bats to get in a groove. Braves won’t give those to him unless Chipper gets injured even then Prado is the guy who’ll get the most time. Before snickering at Francisco who has monster power when he played almost every day for the reds in September 2011 his line was.270/.299/.514/.812 3 homers and 13 RBI in 22 games. He’s not an on base percentage guy but the dude hits. In addition to his 3 homers he ad 7 doubles and a triple; 11 of his 20 hits were for extra bases. He also struck out once a game but he’ll hit to that .270 average and provide real power given a daily role.
Edwin Encarnacion has a 3B’s glove
Done! Dodgers will send you Juan Uribe… Not for EE just his glove.
Not anymore. I’m pretty sure John Farrell confiscated it.
Matt Carpenter is having a very nice season for the cardinals right now and has a strong minor league track record as well. Someone mentioned he’s better than everyone except headley, I tend to agree with that. He should be the Cards most attractive MLB trade chip (guys like Jay, Lynn, and Craig aren’t available).
If he can become a decent 3b he will be an extremely valuable player. The angels really haven’t had anyone solid there in a very long time.