It’s only four weeks until the trade deadline. As of now there haven’t been any big moves, but players will be trading places soon enough. With the San Diego Padres deciding to extend outfielder Seth Smith, he’s off the trade block. Here are a couple of the more significant outfielders that will be available to a contending team.
Alex Rios was moved last season, as the Chicago White Sox sent him to the Texas Rangers in exchange for a player to be named later, which turned out to be Leury Garcia. The 33 year-old right fielder has $12.5 million on his contract for 2014, and has a team option for $13.5 million for 2015 with a $1 million buyout. At this point, Rios’ reputation might be worth more than his performance. He’s hitting .305, but with an on-base percentage of just .336 and a .434 slugging percentage, which rounds out to a 105 wRC+.
Moreover, after hitting 18 home runs last season and 25 the year before Rios has just three this season. His outfield defense is average at best, and he’s already been caught stealing eight times after swiping 42 bases in 49 attempts last season. Going forward he projects for under +1 fWAR. With his contract, the Rangers likely won’t get much in return, and interested teams might be better served to look elsewhere.
Byrd isn’t much of a baserunner nor does he field his position particularly well, so what’s left is a bat-first player with a propensity to swing and miss. Still, he’s provided a lot of power in the last year and a half, and ZiPS projects a 117 wRC+ and +1 fWAR over the remainder of the season. Steamer is a little less optimistic. The Phillies haven’t been in the business of trading players away, so it will be interesting to see how they handle their roster of aging players.
There will be several teams interested in a right-handed hitting outfielder. The Seattle Mariners should be in on Rios and Byrd. Their outfielders have combined for a miserable .244/.289/.357 batting line and just 1.0 fWAR. Currently Endy Chavez and James Jones are starting on a regular basis. Dustin Ackley has been terrible and Logan Morrison is better suited for first base or designated hitter.
The Detroit Tigers have also had holes in their outfield. Torii Hunter is finally looking his age, and Austin Jackson and Don Kelly are struggling. In addition, the Cincinnati Reds could try to shore up their outfield. Billy Hamilton has been solid, and you can bank on Jay Bruce finding his stroke. But, Chris Heisey has struggled mightily, and the trio of Ryan Ludwick, Roger Bernadina and Skip Schumaker has been predictably terrible. These teams and more will be making calls to the Rangers and Phillies about Rios and Byrd.
