Headlines

  • Red Sox Likely To Activate Alex Bregman Tomorrow
  • Astros To Promote Brice Matthews
  • Phillies Reportedly Targeting Controllable Relievers
  • Yankees Prioritizing Pitching, Also Searching For Infield Help
  • Orioles Trade Bryan Baker To Rays
  • Yankees Release DJ LeMahieu
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2025 Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Kole Calhoun Market Taking Shape

By Jeff Todd | December 11, 2019 at 1:48pm CDT

We’ve yet to hear much of anything this winter regarding Kole Calhoun — a reflection both of the primacy of starting pitching on the market and the devaluation of the long ball around the league. The veteran corner outfielder has waited his turn as teams chase higher-priority targets.

Now, it seems some attention is beginning to turn to Calhoun and other possible targets. MLB.com’s Jon Morosi tweets that the Blue Jays, Reds, Brewers, and Marlins all have some level of interest in the 32-year-old.

Calhoun was paid a $1MM buyout by the Angels when his long-time team decided not to pick up his $14MM option. He popped 33 home runs in 2019 and has long been respected as a hard-nosed grinder with a quality glove, but his nice season wasn’t enough to warrant that level of pay even on a one-year deal.

While Calhoun has at times produced well-above-average offensive numbers, his context-adjusted output wasn’t exceptionally productive in 2019. Over 552 plate appearances, he maintained a .232/.325/.467 batting line, good for a 108 wRC+. That was an improvement on his average-ish 2017 and awful 2018 showings with the bat, but hardly an otherworldly effort. Calhoun walked at a career-best 11.1% rate but also went down on strikes at a personal-worst 25.6% clip.

The initial list of potential pursuers doesn’t seem to portend a bidding war. The Fish are biting this year, but don’t seem likely to go wild. They’re also looking at quite a few other options, as are the Reds. The Blue Jays and Brewers both make sense but don’t seem likely to spend past their internal valuations for a player such as Calhoun. Of course, it’s certainly possible that other clubs are in the picture or could join it depending upon outcomes with other segments of the market.

Share 0 Retweet 3 Send via email0

Cincinnati Reds Miami Marlins Milwaukee Brewers Toronto Blue Jays Kole Calhoun

Twins Looking At Top Free Agent Relievers
Main
Dodgers “Pessimistic” On Rendon, Still Talking Lindor With Indians
View Comments (75)
Post a Comment

75 Comments

  1. brewpackbuckbadg

    6 years ago

    Would Brewer fans prefer Calhoun to bringing back Thames? What would be the difference in the salary offers?

    Reply
    • Vanilla Good

      6 years ago

      Does he play 1B?

      Reply
      • Birdsfordays

        6 years ago

        Braun can be shifted to be the primary 1B. Could potentially bring Thames back to platoon with him. Braun could also spell Calhoun in the OF.

        2
        Reply
        • MannyPineappleExpress9

          6 years ago

          I just read the brewers don’t envision Braun playing much, if any 1B. They tried it in 2018, and I think Braun hated it and let them know it.

          It makes more sense imo to bring Thames back as a platoon 1b, with a cheap right handed option, and use Braun/Gamel/Taylor to split time in lf.

          Reply
        • Steven Juris

          6 years ago

          Just give more roids to Braun. He performs much better using them.

          1
          Reply
        • 2id

          6 years ago

          Gosh, another played out Braun steroids joke. Did you write this one yourself or did you copy and paste it from somewhere?

          2
          Reply
        • MannyPineappleExpress9

          6 years ago

          *IF* There is any real possibility of moving Braun to 1st (again, I don’t think it’s likely, but its just my opinion), Calhoun might make sense if they’re also considering moving Yelich to LF.

          Reply
        • machumizer

          6 years ago

          The dude made up a story about his drug tester hating jews to get out of a suspension and won an MVP over Matt Kemp. The steroids jokes are kind of karma, get some thicker skin if you can’t handle someone criticizing someone that you haven’t even met.

          Reply
        • MannyPineappleExpress9

          6 years ago

          1. It wasn’t the tester, it was the person transporting the sample to the lab.
          2. It was 8 years ago.
          3. The handler has let it go.
          4. I sincerely doubt Braun is reading mlbtraderumors, so how are the played out comments karma?
          5. I’m pretty sure the majority of brewer/Braun fans agree what he did in denying the use, and playing the blame/deflect game was wrong. But again, it’s been 8 years.
          6. A grand total of ONE failed test. It’s not like he used for years and broke season or career HR records… 7. I wonder how people who are still hung up on this handle cheaters/liars/criminals they actually know on a personal level. Like, if your wife or gf so much as hugged another man 8 years ago, did you immediately dump her, and are you still bringing it up now?

          Reply
      • brewpackbuckbadg

        6 years ago

        He has. A very little I think.

        baseball-reference.com/players/c/calhoko01.shtml?u…

        Reply
      • HalosHeavenJJ

        6 years ago

        A few innings but you’d want him in right. Great instincts, cannon arm.

        1
        Reply
      • halo6219

        6 years ago

        He wouldn’t be a big target at 1st..

        Reply
      • flabbit

        6 years ago

        No he plays gold glove rf

        3
        Reply
      • the sterling don

        6 years ago

        Yes he’s able to play 1B but hasn’t for a couple years.

        Reply
  2. DarkSide830

    6 years ago

    wouldnt ve surprised if he is overpaid as well. crazy contracts going out this offseason.

    Reply
  3. tybuch

    6 years ago

    Does anyone else think that the diamondbacks would be a good fit?

    7
    Reply
    • lavey

      6 years ago

      that’s who I had in the contest. he went to ASU.

      2
      Reply
    • jordanjee

      6 years ago

      That’s where I thought he’d end up because of his ASU days. Would be awesome. Kole’s a gamer. Sure not a big splash that every fan is seemingly looking for, but he’s a solid ball player.

      2
      Reply
      • lasershow45

        6 years ago

        ASU, Yavapai, and born and raised in AZ

        Reply
  4. Jason Hall

    6 years ago

    Still would rather have Puig for the Reds.

    Reply
    • titanic struggle

      6 years ago

      Yep…

      1
      Reply
    • Joe It All

      6 years ago

      Puig was in a contract year last year. He was obviously going to be on his best behavior. I enjoyed his time here in Cincinnati but it doesn’t seem like ownership is as interested in bringing him back as some of our fans are. We have too many fans who would rather have a fan favorite than a player who may be better for the team.

      1
      Reply
      • DarkSide830

        6 years ago

        if that was his best behaviour…

        Reply
        • earmbrister

          6 years ago

          What was the matter with Puig’s behavior last year? He hustled on every play and was a quality teammate.

          2
          Reply
    • prov356

      6 years ago

      I think Calhoun’s defense is better than Puig. Calhoun is level headed and a great addition to the clubhouse, where Puig is a knuckle headed and not a leader in the clubhouse.

      Reply
      • ekrog

        6 years ago

        Yeah, but he fights with the (butt) Pirates, so that’s fun.

        Reply
      • DarkSide830

        6 years ago

        i dont think anyone is paying Puig to be a leader anyway.

        1
        Reply
        • prov356

          6 years ago

          He’s not worth the headache. Ask the Dodgers who benched him because he refused to show up to practice on time.

          Reply
  5. bravesfan

    6 years ago

    All I know, is the Braves better stay far away from this train wreck

    1
    Reply
    • krillin89

      6 years ago

      I doubt they look his way. They are trying to win games, not plug holes

      1
      Reply
    • brewcrew08

      6 years ago

      Hard to call him a train wreck. Especially not knowing what his price tag will be. 2.3WAR last year isn’t terrible and he’s a lefty with some pop.

      5
      Reply
    • prov356

      6 years ago

      Bravesfan – If you’re referring to Kole Calhoun as a train wreck, how many Angels games have you watched? My guess is few to none. You won’t find a better defender.

      Reply
  6. nemolee.exe

    6 years ago

    Rangers to get Calhoun and trade Choo to Anaheim in the process.

    Reply
    • Vizionaire

      6 years ago

      only in yo’r wet dreams!

      Reply
    • prov356

      6 years ago

      nemolee – trade Choo to Anaheim for what in return?

      Reply
  7. its_happening

    6 years ago

    Blue Jays have to cut 2 OFs. Why would Calhoun make sense at this point? If they can unload a couple, Calhoun becomes a maybe. Jays only true CF is Jonathan Davis and he’s not going to be a starter. Calhoun is not a CF.

    Calhoun would be a good fit in Boston if they can unload some salary. Possibly the White Sox.

    Reply
    • Vandals Took The Handles

      6 years ago

      “Blue Jays have to cut 2 OFs. Why would Calhoun make sense at this point?”
      _

      Do not understand by now how Mark Shapiro plays the media?

      His teams are supposedly in on 40 players (check out all the Jays rumors published here the past month). All of whom other teams are underestimating. Local fans think something good is about to happen, while other teams are making transactions. At some point he makes a few moves, explaining that either free agents he liked proved too costly according to his analytic staff, or that the FO’s of players he rally liked in trade were asking too much in return.

      When the smoke clears about 6-8 weeks into the new season it becomes clear that he’s lost some players, got some new players, and the team pretty much looks the same as the previous year.

      Reply
      • its_happening

        6 years ago

        “Do not understand by now how Mark Shapiro plays the media?”
        –

        Yes. Understood over 4 years ago. Your comment is spot-on.

        1
        Reply
  8. johndietz

    6 years ago

    No mention of Kole being an elite defender with an accurate cannon for an arm.

    5
    Reply
    • dynamite drop in monty

      6 years ago

      Write your own articles

      3
      Reply
    • Vizionaire

      6 years ago

      that’s a fact.

      Reply
    • vtadave

      6 years ago

      0 DRS. Doesn’t sound elite.

      1
      Reply
  9. lucasd

    6 years ago

    Is Ryan Braun going to the Brewers full time 1B next season?

    Reply
    • Vanilla Good

      6 years ago

      Almost no chance he’s full-time. He’s barely even full-time in LF nowadays.

      Reply
      • Birdsfordays

        6 years ago

        I’m not sure what you’re saying here. 1B is a less physically demanding position….

        2
        Reply
        • brewcrewbernie

          6 years ago

          Regardless of position, Braun still needs 1-2 days off a week

          2
          Reply
  10. dray16

    6 years ago

    i was thinking Milwaukee could use another outfielder.

    Reply
    • CrewBrew

      6 years ago

      They need to fill 3rd and 1st before outfield. They’re set. Yeli Cain Braun Gamel

      Reply
      • BrewCrew54

        6 years ago

        I’m not sure why the Crew would target Calhoun after they just got rid of a similar and younger player in Grisham. I don’t know where he would fit in the Brewers picture.

        Reply
      • dray16

        6 years ago

        no kidding

        Reply
  11. angt222

    6 years ago

    I’ve seen Calhoun as a strong candidate to fill MIAs RF job all offseason. Curious to see if it happens.

    Reply
  12. halo6219

    6 years ago

    Good player…Good guy…bummed he was a casualty of the Angels budget…would have rather they trade away Upton

    Reply
  13. HalosHeavenJJ

    6 years ago

    Whoever signs him will enjoy watching him play the field. Always all out, diving, jumping, and with a great arm. Big smile like a guy realizing he’s playing a game.

    His offense is incredibly streaky, though, abs that can get frustrating. But he never takes a slump out onto the field with him.

    2
    Reply
  14. solaris602

    6 years ago

    Calhoun is the kind of OF that is right up the Tribe’s alley as long as he’s willing to sign for a year at around $3M. They’ll wait for his market to form and disintegrate before making an offer.

    1
    Reply
    • Priggs89

      6 years ago

      Have you seen the money being thrown around so far this offseason? I don’t think he’s settling for $3M.

      Reply
  15. Vin Scully

    6 years ago

    Whoever gets Calhoun will be spending about $6 million more than he is worth. Mediocre player.

    Reply
  16. throwinched10

    6 years ago

    The Giants are the obvious fit. Inexpensive veteran outfielder who they can trade at the deadline if he produces in the first half of 2020.

    Reply
  17. pplama

    6 years ago

    This is the RF platoon bat a well run White Sox team would’ve acquired.
    But they preferred to cross their fingers on Mazara magically producing his first 1+ fWAR season.

    Reply
    • throwinched10

      6 years ago

      Mazara is way younger and has the always tantalizing “potential” word attached to him. Whether or not he realizes his potential is TBD.

      Reply
      • keysox

        6 years ago

        White Sox got a better player than Calhoun. They need to work on pitching.

        1
        Reply
        • HalosHeavenJJ

          6 years ago

          Calhoun is better than Mazara both offensively and defensively, by a wide shot defensively.

          2
          Reply
        • pplama

          6 years ago

          In what world is Mazara better than Calhoun?
          Both are .800+ OPS platoon RF’s vs. RHP. But Calhoun also plays passable D and has plate discipline.

          1
          Reply
        • MarlinsFanBase

          6 years ago

          Mazara has more upside.

          1
          Reply
        • Dogbone

          6 years ago

          Actually key Sox, they both are not good MLB players. CWS minor league system is pretty much bone dry now, with Robert and Madrigal on the AAAA doorstep. Vaughn likely the only player with some decent trade value.

          Reply
        • pplama

          6 years ago

          He’s had 2000+ plate appearances and been a butcher in RF for 4 years. The upside never came and the Sox can’t develop players.

          Reply
  18. sigdawg25

    6 years ago

    lefty bat for the A’s?

    Reply
  19. Gizmoldp

    6 years ago

    Honestly what do the Jays need with another corner outfielder who a little pop and strikes out way to much and clogs the bases. We pretty much already have 6 hitters in our line up with that sad offensive talent

    Reply
  20. MarlinsFanBase

    6 years ago

    I love the number of corner OFs that can hit HRs this offseason. The Marlins will have a nice bridge player leading to the prospects.

    Reply
  21. eeddiiee909

    6 years ago

    Angels fan. sure going to miss that Cannon of his throwing guys out.

    Reply
  22. prov356

    6 years ago

    Any Angels fan knows the value Calhoun brings, especially on defense. He will be a fan favorite wherever he signs. No one plays defense harder than Kole. He’s made adjustments at the plate that are starting to show progress from his down year in 2018.

    Reply
  23. jtvincent

    6 years ago

    I’m not sure why the Reds would seek out a guy that’s not as good as people that have

    1
    Reply
    • earmbrister

      6 years ago

      If Aquino doesn’t pan out in RF, what is the plan for the Reds? (Crickets chirping). None of the other OFrs on the MLB roster are RFrs.

      Reply
      • its_happening

        6 years ago

        Aquino’s minor league numbers suggest he could struggle in 2020. Calhoun’s not a bad option to have.

        Reply
    • redsorbust

      6 years ago

      I agree.. If Reds don’t go for Castellanos or the like no point in bringing on someone new. Aquino needs a real chance to show his potential. Go all in on Castellanos and trade one or two surplus outfielders for a decent starter or reliever.

      Reply
  24. eephus11

    6 years ago

    The Cardinals need to take a look. If they aren’t going to get a big addition he could platoon with Martinez in left. They can use other outfield options in trades.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

    Top Stories

    Red Sox Likely To Activate Alex Bregman Tomorrow

    Astros To Promote Brice Matthews

    Phillies Reportedly Targeting Controllable Relievers

    Yankees Prioritizing Pitching, Also Searching For Infield Help

    Orioles Trade Bryan Baker To Rays

    Yankees Release DJ LeMahieu

    Trevor Williams To Undergo UCL Surgery

    Nationals Fire PBO Mike Rizzo, Manager Dave Martinez

    Brewers Activate Brandon Woodruff

    Clarke Schmidt Expected To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Bobby Jenks Passes Away

    Braves Release Alex Verdugo

    Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline

    Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim

    Yankees Have Shown Interest In Ryan McMahon

    Royals Interested In Bryan Reynolds

    Rangers Option Josh Jung

    Kevin Pillar Announces Retirement

    Braves Place Spencer Schwellenbach On IL With Elbow Fracture

    Giants Exercise 2026 Option On Manager Bob Melvin

    Recent

    Trade Deadline Outlook: New York Yankees

    Trade Deadline Outlook: Atlanta Braves

    Which Other Relievers Might The Orioles Shop?

    Lee Elia Passes Away

    Red Sox Likely To Activate Alex Bregman Tomorrow

    Poll: Which Teams Should Make The Biggest Push For Jarren Duran?

    MLB Finalizes Home Run Derby Field

    Astros To Promote Brice Matthews

    Giants Outright Sergio Alcántara

    Joe Coleman Passes Away

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Sandy Alcantara Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Alex Bregman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android App Store Google Play

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version