The trading deadline for Major League Baseball is six weeks away and rumors are starting to heat up. That said, there are a few infielders available for clubs that are in the market. Four players in particular have been subject to trade talk or are currently not content with their playing situation or contract.
1) Chase Headley signed a one-year deal in January for $10.525 million to avoid arbitration. The 30-year old third baseman would like a long-term deal in excess of $17 million per year, but his 2014 numbers (19 R, 38 H, 8 doubles, 6 Hrs, 23 RBIs) with the splits of (.202/.288/.340) doesn't seem to justify that deal. Headley has produced a 0.4 WAR so far in 2014 and an 18.5 WAR total over the course of his eight year career. Over that time frame, this San Diego Friar has seasonally averaged (71 R, 155 H, 33 doubles, 16 HRs, 72 RBIs) and splits of (.265/.347/.410).
Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal speculates that the San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley would be "a perfect fit for the Cubs." Rosenthal reported that the Cubs have three prospects ( Javier Baez , Jorge Soler , Albert Amora) that could possibly be moved in such a deal.
2) Rickie Weeks is under contract for $11 million for the 2014 season and has a $11.5 million vesting option (with a $1 million buyout). In 92 at-bats this season, Weeks has 28 hits ( six doubles, 2 HRs), scored 16 runs, and drove in 13. His 2014 splits are
(.286/.352/.408). In his 11th year, the second baseman has a career WAR of 11.8 and has seasonally averaged
(100 R, 146 H, 29 doubles, 21 HRs, 63 RBIs) and splits of (.248/.346/.422).
Since the emergence of Scooter Gennett, Weeks hasn't played much at second base. Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel reported on May 10th that Milwaukee Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said Rickie Weeks was asked about the possibility of learning how to play left field and declined. "I'm a second baseman," said Weeks. " I feel right now I should be playing second base." At age 32, Weeks has struggled at the plate, but might be destined for a move and a change of scenery.
3) Ben Zobrist is making $7 million for the 2014 season and has a $7.5 million club option for 2015 with a $500K buyout. In 227 at-bats this season, Zobrist has 58 hits (12 doubles, 5 HRs), scored 29 runs, and drove in 15 for a current split of (.256/.329./.383). The super utility man's 1.5 WAR in 2014 thus far, considering this being his age 34 season, is respectable. This Tampa Bay Ray has a combined 33.1 WAR over the course of his eight year career and has seasonally averaged
(85 R, 153 H, 34 doubles, 18 HRs, 79 RBIs) with splits of (.262/.353/.431).
Jason Burke of FanSided asked on June 16th, "Is Ben Zobrist EnRoute to Oakland?" Burke observed, "This is pure speculation and no trade has been announced." Regardless of the rumor, Zobrist can easily fit into the plans of many teams searching for a versatile infielder.
4) Chase Utley is receiving $15 million for 2014, $10 million for 2015 and a $2 million buyout for 2016 if the $15 million dollar vesting option is not met. At 35, Utley has posted some strong numbers. In 256 at-bats this year, the Phillies second baseman has 77 hits ( 24 doubles, three triples, five HRs), scored 36 runs, walked 20 times and drove in 32 for a split of (.301/.362/.477). Utley has a 2.0 WAR so far in 2014 and has a 60 WAR over the course of his 12 year career. This five time All-Star has seasonally averaged
(104 R, 180 H, 38 doubles, 26 HRs, 98 RBIs) and splits of (.288/.328/.425). Additionally, Utley's 88.4% SB% is 1st on the active list (minimum of 100 SBA) and his .816 OBP% in 2013 was 4th in MLB for second basemen.
Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported on June 18th that the Phillies owner, David Montgomery would consider trading Chase Utley.
"We don't like being in last place in the National League East," Montgomery said. "We don't think that's where we belong. We don't think that's what our fans expect of us...In some places, they do that intentionally in order to speed the process. But, at the same time, there has to be the types of deals [beneficial to us]. I mean, I listen to the expectations of people of what we can get for our veterans."
You can say what you want about Phillies ownership and management, but you can't deny the fact that the team needs a resurgence of youth and Utley doesn't fit into that scheme.
Regardless, a lot can happen between now and July 31st. Since the player draft has concluded, General Managers, scouts and player personnel are focusing on their missing pieces. For franchises believing they have a contender, the above mentioned players may just solve those post-season puzzles.
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