Lyle Overbay has a no-trade clause, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (via Twitter). The first baseman still has $2.8MM remaining on his $7MM contract and there aren’t many contenders for whom Overbay’s bat would be an upgrade, so Morosi’s source doubts the clause will become an issue this month.
Overbay will become a free agent after the season and the Blue Jays have top prospect Brett Wallace poised to take over at first, but they don't necessarily want to deal Overbay. The 33-year-old has recovered from a slow start and his line now stands at .251/.329/.413, but it’s hard to imagine that contenders other than the Angels would give him much of a look. That said, the no-trade clause is worth noting, since a lot can change in a week.
aap212
Every day it seems more appropriate that J.P. Ricciardi went from the current GM chair to the Steve Phillips chair.
TVReviewsion
There’s been a lot of talk about no-trade clauses this trade deadline, hasn’t there?
sfarstad
Lyle doesn’t need a no-trade clause. His season has been assurance enough.
ukJaysfan
I don’t mind if the Jays trade Overbay to the Angels. Maybe for a low level prospect, just to say we got a warm body for him? L.A. and Lyle would be a nice little fit for the end of the season.
The Jesus
I would be happy to get a roll of toilet paper for Overbay. I don’t think Wallace is ready, but come on – how awesome would it be to sign Delgado as the stop gap? A chance to hit 500 HR with the team he spent the majority of his career with.
Just sayin’. Love me some Carlos.
ukJaysfan
Yeah I’d love to see Carlos back for a farewell and get some love. I just don’t think the current administration is terribly concerned with the Retro thing any more (Cito notwithstanding).
Jon Stark
Not a chance it happens.
The Jesus
Perhaps you’d be able to add to the discussion Jon by stating why it wouldn’t happen, as opposed to the fact it just wouldn’t.
iains
No trade clauses aren’t really that big a deal. More a negotiating position than an outright rejection. Most pending free agents would prefer to go to a contender. It’s not like Overbay would end up with the Pirates. But of course if there’s no one willing to deal, then it’s a moot point anyway.
Sniderlover
Is it possible for the Twins to be interested since Morneau is out with a concussion? Can’t remember if he came back…
iains
Morneau is currently on the disabled list. I guess John McDonald rung his bell pretty good
Dylan
John McDonald gave Aaron Hill his concussion too. Spooky!
moonraker45
no it was david eckstein actually
Dylan
Whoops! You’re right. I’m sorry, it’ll never happen again. :'(
moonraker45
close enough!
ukJaysfan
Morneau is still on the 15 day DL. No reported due date for his return, probably because concussions are tricky to predict.
Sniderlover
So can’t they target Overbay since they are in the playoffs hunt and Overbay would make a decent gap stop.
ukJaysfan
I said that a few posts up.
ukJaysfan
Never mind, I’m an idiot. I read ‘Twins’ but had ‘Angels’ on the brain. Sorry.
patrick_mccaw
Has there been a star athelete in Toronto the last 5 years without a NTC?
moonraker45
you’re calling overbay a star?
Jon Stark
Phil kessel.
moonraker45
overrated.
Sniderlover
He’s got a NMC or NTC in the last year of his contract.
Sniderlover
Bosh?
Mark S
Ah, the ghost of Ricciardi.
Jon Stark
Stating Lyle’s numbers in the article as such fails to account for two important points. The major turnaround that occurred around June, and the fact that he is one of the best fielding 1B in the Majors. A left-handed bat that is now swinging well and that plays some great defense could have place on a number teams.
I think it will come down to more whether or how much of Lyle’s contract they are willing to eat (which is probably a lot).
aap212
Ah, defensive reputation. The last refuge of the white first baseman who can’t hit adequately.
Mark S
oh hey doug mientkiewicz! I didn’t know you posted on this site!
aap212
Throw me a compliment! I’ll make a needlessly dramatic swooping catch to accept it!
Brian Culpin
Article is a little misleading. Overbay has a partial no-trade clause and it’s thought to exclude every team that is currently in contention.
Brian Culpin
My post was misleading as well. None of the teams that are looking for a 1B are thought to be on the list.
Brian Culpin
My post was misleading as well. None of the teams that are looking for a 1B are thought to be on the list.
jeffdg
He would be a nice to addition to many teams, even as a bench player — assuming the Jays would pay his contract and take a medium grade prospect. I think he moves, and i think he moves in a package that includes another Blue Jay or two.
He is so much better than he stats indicate..
moonraker45
his stats are respectable to good at most positions on the diamond, just not a 1b.
jeffdg
He would be a nice to addition to many teams, even as a bench player — assuming the Jays would pay his contract and take a medium grade prospect. I think he moves, and i think he moves in a package that includes another Blue Jay or two.
He is so much better than he stats indicate..
lionofsenate
Pretty weak analysis on Overbay. He makes an excellent addition to a contender’s bench. it is fairly obvious he is not a starting quality 1b on a contender, who in the world thinks that? That is not in doubt. But Overbay is one of the most attractive bench options and I think it is certain he will be in demand.
jeffdg
Great character guy, plays great D, and when he is on..he can rake.
The Jesus
I think that’s what people fail to see. The problem is, he’s a 1st baseman. I’d take his stats at any other position.
Encarnacion's Parrot
He did put up an OBP of .378 in June and has a slash line of .323/.380/.538/.919 so far in July. If the Jays can wait until it’s closer to the non-waiver deadline to eat more of the contract, and offer to pay 75% of what’s left of his contract I think they’ll get 2 or 3 takers. Won’t get an amazing return though.
Red_Line_9
Wow! Who thought giving Overbay a no-trade clause was a good idea? Talk about hamstringing the Jays down the road. Overbay. If he wanted that in the contract they should have told him to find another team to give it to him. Is this truly what it takes to get average players to play in Toronto?