The Tigers, Angels, Cubs, Marlins and Rockies will likely pursue starting third basemen this offseason and clubs like the Yankees and Braves could be in the market for bench help at the hot corner. Here's a preview of the offseason third base market.
Starting Third Basemen Available In Free Agency
Aramis Ramirez stands out as the top free agent third baseman available. He won't cost a draft pick and, as it turns out, neither will any of the offseason's other free agent third basemen. Wilson Betemit, who posted a .795 OPS in 2011, is another everyday option.
Quality Backups
Eric Chavez, John McDonald, Craig Counsell, Greg Dobbs, Jerry Hairston Jr., Omar Vizquel and Aaron Miles warrant consideration from teams looking for backups. Casey Blake and Mark DeRosa struggled to stay on the field, but both have succeeded in everyday roles before. Kevin Kouzmanoff and Andy LaRoche, two former A's third basemen, should receive interest, if not Major League deals.
Non-Tender Candidates
Ian Stewart, Mike Aviles and Adam Rosales could be cut loose or traded by the December 12th non-tender deadline.
Thinking Outside The Box
Perhaps former shortstops like Orlando Cabrera, Jamey Carroll could play third regularly. There's also Yonder Alonso, who could be available in trades. If you really want to dream, imagine free agent Albert Pujols at third. He played seven games at the hot corner this offseason, but realistically he's a first baseman.
Other Trade Candidates
David Wright and Kevin Youkilis are the biggest names we might see on the trade market. Casey McGehee, Alberto Callaspo and Ty Wigginton could also conceivably be traded. Padres GM Josh Byrnes may entertain offers for Chase Headley and the Orioles' new GM could move Mark Reynolds or Chris Davis. Blake DeWitt and Jeff Baker of the Cubs may also be available. Chone Figgins could likely be had given the Mariners' internal options at third.
Check out the full free agent list, as well as our articles on the markets at catcher, first base, second base and shortstop.
Prospects for sure. 1-3 of a teams top lower minor prospect(s). The padres probably have the deepest system in baseball and plan on a future built through the farm system. Randy Wells and other average pitchers won’t cut it. Pitchers like him will do better in Petco because it will protect them from their hr defectiveness. If the Cubs have an awesome middle inf prospect behind Castro he could make for a throw in. The padres have 4 legitimate 3B prospects, and three guys on the roster capable of playing 3b outside of Headley. Jyorko also led the minors in hitting and has the second highest avg in the AFL. Lots of pub has gone to Brown for his performance in the Cal league; it was Jyorko who led the league in hitting with a 365 avg. He improved as he progressed in AA and played well in the Mission’s remarkable playoff run. He should be ready by 2013. Darnell, Forsythe, and Guzman are 3B options for 2012
Only if they believe he can catch. They wouldn’t trade Latos for Montero to play for 1b when they have Rizzo.
Not saying that he’s worth that….but with the way Alderson has been dealing so far (Beltran specifically) thats probably the starting point
That will never happen, Cabrera was brutal in 2008 and the was obviously younger. Tigers have to be looking at Rameriz on a big 2 year deal. Reyes is a possiblity but it’s going to come down to dollars, Dombrowski will stay away if SF goes all Zito and offers him the moon. But then again, if Illitch wants him, chances are they get him.
I think Ilitch saw how close they were but they needed at least one more big bat to compete with the Rangers. So many times they had the oppurtunity to take that series and couldn’t come through with that clutch hit.
Keep hoping.
I don’t think Wright’s going to get traded, especially with his value being low and the fences coming in at Citi Field. I’d see the Mets shopping him at the deadline, even though I’m against it, I can still see where it makes sense.
Also, Sandy’s price for a division rival would be astronomically high. Probably to a point where it’s out of the question, so I don’t see it happening.
orioles won’t get rid of mark renyolds or chris davis they have the most power on they team they might deal brian roberts or nolan reimold maybe luke scott but that is it no qeustions asked
Marte is in AAA and could be in the majors this summer. We don’t need an outfielder, but I’d love to see what we could get from Philly if traded Pedro.
nobody in baseball would pay him $30M a year for what he has become