Frankly, there’s not much to see here. Most contenders are set at shortstop. Even those that have immediate needs — the Astros, Nationals, and Diamondbacks all have regulars on the DL — aren’t really expected to go shopping for replacements.
We’ve already seen one shortstop on the move, though, with Adeiny Hechavarria going to the Rays. Here are some others that could be available:
Rentals
Zack Cozart, Reds | $5.325MM in 2017
Cozart is an elite defender and has posted an outstanding .321/.400/.566 batting line on the year. Were there a single contender with an opening at short, he’d be the obvious solution. As it stands, Cozart may end up being viewed more as a heavily-used utility piece — unless a team decides it would be best-served adding him and pushing a regular shortstop to another position instead.
Eduardo Nunez, Giants | $4.2MM in 2017
He’s more likely an option at other spots in the infield, but Nunez has logged more games at short than any other position in his eight seasons of MLB action. Nunez is a roughly league-average hitter who can swipe a bag, and would deepen a lot of rosters.
Ruben Tejada, Orioles | Unknown Salary
The 27-year-old is back in the majors as a fill-in option for the O’s. He’s hitting better than he did last year, but the .272/.322/.333 output isn’t going to hold much appeal.
Erick Aybar, Padres | $1.75MM in 2017
As with Tejada, the veteran Aybar isn’t impressing at the plate (.231/.298/.353) and won’t be in much demand.
Controlled Through 2018
Freddy Galvis, Phillies | $4.35MM in 2017; arb-eligible in 2018
The sudden slugger is on pace to approach twenty long balls yet again. And his on-base percentage has crept over .300. Galvis has rated as a top-end defender, but it still seems he makes the most sense in Philadelphia.
Jose Iglesias, Tigers |$4.1MM in 2017; arb-eligible in 2018
At his best, Iglesias is something of a poor man’s Andrelton Simmons. But while his magical glovework continues, the work with the bat has worsened over the past two years. It’s hard to imagine an offer coming in that would really motivate Detroit.
Asdrubal Cabrera, Mets | $8.25MM in 2017; $8.5MM club option ($2MM buyout) in 2018
It’s arguable whether Cabrera ought to be considered here at all, as the Mets clearly determined that he’s no longer really capable of playing a palatable shortstop. On the other hand, he has manned that position almost exclusively over the past three years and can hit near the league average (though his baserunning has been stunningly bad thus far in 2017).
J.J. Hardy, Orioles | $14MM in 2017; $14MM club option ($2MM buyout) in 2018
The veteran isn’t a deadline option, as he’s currently on the DL. And odds are he won’t be one in August, either, though he’ll easily clear waivers after opening the year with a .211/.248/.308 batting line.
Longer-Term Assets
Jurickson Profar, Rangers | $1.05MM in 2017; arb-eligible through 2019
Still just 24 years of age, Profar has been awful this year in the majors. But he is hitting 297/.386/.423 at Triple-A. And with no clear path to a significant role in Texas, perhaps it’s finally time he’s dealt.
Aledmys Diaz, Cardinals | First-time arb-eligible in 2021
It’s hard to see the Cards giving up on Diaz after he showed a lofty ceiling last year. But he was demoted and has struggled all the more at Triple-A ever since, so perhaps a deal can’t be ruled out if there’s a chance to achieve some value.
Andrelton Simmons, Angels | $8MM in 2017; $39MM from 2018 through 2020
In the midst of a career year, Simmons almost certainly isn’t going anywhere, even if the Halos do sell.
Brandon Crawford, Giants | $8MM in 2017; $60MM from 2018 through 2021
The Giants have made clear they aren’t interested in dealing Crawford, even as he struggles after consecutive two top-level seasons.
Troy Tulowitzki, Blue Jays | $20MM in 2017; $58MM from 2018 through 2020 (including $4MM buyout of 2021 club option)
Tulo has declined in the field and at the plate this year. While the Jays may at some point see if they can’t unload some of the contract, there’s no indication that’ll happen this summer.
Ryan Goins, Blue Jays | First-time arb-eligible in 2018
Goins just doesn’t hit, and has drawn poor grades this year at short, though he could in theory be a utility option elsewhere.
Dixon Machado, Tigers | First-time arb-eligible in 2020
At times, Machado has been seen as an interesting prospect, and he does own a .316/.338/.395 batting line in just 81 plate appearances on the year. He’s out of options and it’s hard to imagine the Tigers again carrying him in 2018 without clearing the way for some more playing time.
Why would anyone want Troy Tulowitzki’s contracts with his under achieving performance?
Who is suggesting such a thing?
Rekt
Trader Dave would. He’s going to pull the plug and swap shortstops next week to get rid of the guy on the DL. He doesn’t like him anyway, preferring older players with big contracts
Tulo is aging in dog years. He’s only 32 but plays and looks like he’s 42. Honestly, I think after this season they are just going to have to go Panda on him and eat the contract and release him.
Tulo’s bat has come alive, he has hit 10 for the last 22 with a few homers
Oh 10-22 oh ok now everything is fine since in 22 at bats in a six month season he got a few lucky hits
We’re not a team like Boston though. Maybe with one year remaining, but there’s no way they are giving him 60 million not to play. Unless Rogers is willing to not count that towards their internal cap, they just simply can’t afford to release him
OH they can eat it. More money then you imagine.
No offense intended, just trying to help everyone…
Then refers to time (ex: I’ll be there at 8, see u THEN), Than refers to an amount (ex: more money THAN u imagine).
Explain how they can not afford to release him again? Its a guaranteed contract. If its $60 million owed its $60 million he gets whether he stinks up the joint and hurts your team or you cut him and try to improve your team
Wonder if the padres look to go after Diaz or Machado given the long term control.
Why? They got more talented short stops in the low minors
Because they don’t have more talented short stops in the majors. Low minors means 3+ years away.
Burn!
Hmm… Profar to the Padres?
Hmmm can we have Michel Baez in return?
sure take him
Honestly I’d consider it. 6’8 fireball starter candidate with promising secondary stuff. Sounds a like a great prospect to take a chance on
No,
Never
Stop
Annoying
It is because it makes too much sense! Just like Matt Adams or Yonder Alonso to the Yankees. None of the 3 may happen, but it makes sense for all the teams involved. It fills needs!
So until the Padres have a major league SS, trades of Profar to the Padres will continue to be suggested.
It doesn’t make sense because Profar is close to free agency and to put it simply just isn’t that good.
NO! Go away!
Cabrera’s base running has been “stunningly bad” this season? Really? Have you never seen him run before? It’s always been bad, so I’m not stunned.
Think there is a gem in the Brewers system ready for the majors to be a starter. Riviera
The Rockies need Cozart and Feldman then send Story to AAA and Senzatela to the bullpen.
Cozart would be really good in Boston. Either he or Bogaerts could line up at 3rd, and the other at short. If Moreland continues to struggle, I’d add Alonso and relegate Moreland to a bench role. That offense goes back to being electric, and they have a respectable rotation.
No one takes your posts seriously…. Bogy wont be going back to 3rd, been there and it was aweful. And you dont have 1 dimensional guys on your bench like Moreland…
Moreland has an injury right now that has hurt his effectiveness.
Diamondbacks could use a SS.
Tejada is making 1.35MM
How about Jose Reyes. The Mets are seeking a large latte for someone to take him off their hands.
I’d consider Iglesias a poor man’s Andrelton Simmons in general, but “at his best”, I think he’s more than that.
As good as the glove is, he’s not quite at the level of Simmons (but then again, who is?), but at his best, the bat is pretty much on par with Simmons.
Iglesias is far more inconsistent and injury prone, but he’s still 27, and the 300/.347/.370 line he posted in 120 games in 2015 is very similar to Simmons (.284/.330/..395 since moving to LA; .264/.312/.372 for his career).
j.Iglesias is “singleo” but his glove is outstanding.dixon machado is blocked he needs playing time