Potentially Available Second Basemen

MLB second basemen have combined to hit .255/.317/.381 for the first half of the season — hardly an impressive offensive performance. In fact, Robinson Cano, Aaron Hill and Ben Zobrist are the only three qualified second basemen with an OPS over .800 this year. Here’s a preview of the midseason trade market at the position:

• Marco Scutaro, Rockies – Scutaro will likely be traded, Troy Renck of the Denver Post wrote last month. The 36-year-old infielder has a .285/.336/.385 batting line and considerable experience at shortstop. He earns $6MM this year and will hit free agency this coming offseason.
• Orlando Hudson, White Sox – It's been a rough year for Hudson, who lost his roster spot on the Padres then his starting job on the White Sox. If a team were to call about the 34-year-old, the White Sox would presumably listen.
• Darwin Barney, Cubs – Rival teams have asked about Barney, but there's no reason for the Cubs to rush a deal. Barney won't even be arbitration eligible until after the 2013 season and he has an acceptable .264/.309/.371 batting line.
• 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 .329/.372/.384 batting line and the ability to play multiple infield positions.
• Chris Getz, Royals – Getz, now on the disabled list with a leg strain, had been playing well before his injury and could draw trade interest this summer.
• Kelly Johnson, Blue Jays – As long as the Blue Jays don't fall too far out of contention, Johnson figures to stay in Toronto.
• Jose Altuve, Astros – Despite some speculation that Altuve’s available, it seems far more likely that they’ll hold on. Just because Houston’s headed for another 100-loss season doesn’t mean Jeff Luhnow will trade a controllable middle infielder who’s playing at an All-Star level.

MLBTR started previewing the trade market this week with a look at potentially available catchers and first basemen.