MLB’s trade market is usually filled with players that can be beneficial to playoff-hopeful teams. However, there are times in which the players themselves can also be helped by the change. It could be due to dissension with the current organization, the need to play in a new environment or a veteran simply deserving to suit up for a contender and hopefully embark on a World Series run.
With regular-season play currently on pause until Friday for the All-Star break, here are eight players that would likely welcome a trade.
8. Rich Hill
It’s been a remarkable turnaround for the 36-year-old left-hander. Some 15 months ago, he was playing for the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Now, after four solid outings with the Red Sox late last season and nine victories, with a 2.25 ERA so far in 2016, it’s no surprise potential buyers are interested in his services. The A’s should do this veteran a favor and try to give Hill, whose last postseason appearance came in 2008 with the Cubs, another shot at playing meaningful baseball in October.
7. Matt Kemp
It was just about two years ago that Kemp, mired in the middle of a crowded Dodgers outfield, was given a ticket out of L.A. His joining the Padres appeared to be both a fresh start for him and a sign that things were turning around in San Diego. While Kemp is keeping his end of the bargain (16 homers and 58 RBIs), the performance of the players around him is mediocre at best, as the Pads continue to linger at the bottom of the NL West standings.
6. Nathan Eovaldi
Despite a 4.20 ERA during 2015, he still went 14-3. Whatever good fortune Eovaldi had then is gone now. In allowing 19 home runs to this point, he has already exceeded his single-season career high. Eovaldi’s remarkably-high ERA this year (5.42) earned him a demotion to the bullpen. And suffice it to say, he’s incurred the wrath of Yankee fans. Unfortunately, it’s highly doubtful anyone else would take him at his current state.
Nathan Eovaldi has now allowed 31 earned runs in his last six starts. Not what you want. @Yankees pic.twitter.com/BPvsJE3BFS
— Barry M. Bloom (@Boomskie) July 2, 2016
5. Josh Reddick
For an A’s team that is an afterthought in the AL West, it makes perfect sense to shop a player such as Reddick, who’s on the last year of his contract. As luck would have it, even though his batting average over the first 41 games is a solid .322, he suffered a fracture in his thumb sliding head-first into second base against the Yankees. Now healthy, though still prone to injuries, Reddick would be an attractive commodity to many clubs if Oakland was willing to put him on the market.
4. Evan Longoria
Tampa’s stalwart third baseman, a mainstay since 2008, remains the face of the franchise. But it’s time for a facelift. Since Joe Maddon’s departure to Chicago, the Rays haven’t been the same. And while Longoria suffered a down year in 2015, he’s picked it back up this season, with 19 homers, 47 RBIs, and a .290 average at the break. Like all others on this list, he would be a valuable addition elsewhere. Although it would be difficult for Tampa Bay fans (however many there are) to part with Longoria, it might be best for the team’s future.
3. Ryan Howard
Philadelphia has seen Howard at his best. Now, it’s seeing him at his worst. Ten years ago, Howard slugged 58 home runs (while batting .313) and won the NL MVP. A lot can happen, though, in a decade. Now, in 2016, he still possesses some power, but he’s a .155 hitter and a liability in the field. The tough times for Howard, now 36, took an ugly turn last month, when a fan threw a beer bottle at him. Sad to say, he would be best served finishing his career in the American League, and a place where his bat is all that’s needed.
2. Carlos Gonzalez
No name has been more often mentioned in trade rumors over the past two years. And, yet, he still remains in Colorado. If Gonzalez had it his way, he’d be moved to a contending club. The three-time All-Star has made that feeling known to Rockies management. With 19 home runs, 54 RBIs, a .924 OPS and just one year remaining on his current contract, CarGo’s trade value is as high as its ever been.
1. Joey Votto
The Reds are in a serious rebuilding mode. Votto doesn’t have time for that. After a dreadful first few weeks that had him contemplating his future in the majors, he’s regained the form that made him a star in Cincinnati (and an MVP in 2010). At 32, he’s still at the edge of his prime and can be a real asset to a team in reach of the playoffs — something Votto hasn’t seen since 2012. The only organization he’s ever played for should do him a favor and continue its long-term development without him, while giving the slugger a chance to win elsewhere.
