While the pitching market is a clear seller’s market this summer, the market for second basemen appears to be another story. The number of potentially available second-base options on losing clubs looks to outweigh the number of clubs looking for a genuine upgrade at second base by a fair margin. The Royals and Blue Jays, for instance, have received poor offensive output from second base as a whole but have strong defenders at those positions right now that are still providing some value. The Pirates haven’t seen much offense at second either but have their fair share of infield depth, and the Cardinals solved some of their second base woes by shifting Matt Carpenter to the position (though Jhonny Peralta’s injury could potentially create a need).
The second base market could be relatively quiet this season barring a notable last-minute injury, but here are some of the possibly available names…
Short-Term Veterans
Steve Pearce (Rays), Eduardo Nunez (Twins)
- Pearce isn’t a second baseman in the traditional sense of the word, as he’s been more of a fill-in there over the past couple of seasons in Baltimore and Tampa Bay. The Rays are clear sellers, however, and Pearce has mashed at a .322/.393/.540 clip this season. He’s played just 240 innings at second, so asking him to man the spot regularly down the stretch could be a reach, but his bat could offset his lack of experience there. Plus, he’s earning a bargain $4.8MM on a one-year deal.
- Nunez is reportedly among the most frequently asked-about Twins, which is perhaps no surprise given the numbers he’s put up over the past two seasons. While many still think of him as a utility option, Nunez boasts a .790 OPS, 16 homers and 31 stolen bases across his past 155 games in a Twins uniform. He’s earning a mere $1.475MM this season and is eligible for arbitration one final time this winter before hitting free agency following the 2017 season. Nunez could fill in for a team looking for a regular second baseman or bounce around between second base, shortstop, third base and left field. He doesn’t excel defensively at any of those spots, but the versatility is nice.
Controllable Starting Options
Jed Lowrie/Marcus Semien (Athletics), Jean Segura/Chris Owings (D-backs), Yangervis Solarte (Padres), Logan Forsythe (Rays), Brian Dozier (Twins), DJ LeMahieu (Rockies), Jace Peterson (Braves), Jonathan Villar/Scooter Gennett (Brewers)
- Lowrie could technically go in the above category as well, but the cheap 2018 club option ($6MM) on his contract prompted me to put him in the “controllable” bucket as opposed to the “short-term” slot. (Plus, I just felt like being than Jeff Todd, who slotted Lowrie into the short-term section of the shortstop trade market.) Lowrie has cooled off as of late, but he’s still hitting .281 with a .333 OBP. His power has been nonexistent for most of the season (.334 slugging, .053 ISO), but he’s affordable, versatile, and owns a .330 OBP over his past five big league seasons. Like Jeff noted when looking at shortstops, I doubt that Semien is actually a likely candidate to be moved, but the A’s are typically willing to listen on everyone but a select few players, so he’s worth at least a mention.
- It’s not clear that the D-backs would entertain the notion of moving either of their controllable second base options. Owings is currently on the disabled list and has been for quite some time, which could limit his value. As for Segura, he’s keeping the average just north of .300 thanks in part to a pair of massive BABIP spikes in April and June, though it should be noted that he’s also showing a bit more pop and plate discipline than in years past. The D-backs have only shown a willingness to trade relievers thus far, so moving Segura (controlled through 2018 via arbitration) or Owings (2019) would come as a surprise.
- San Diego has already moved James Shields, Fernando Rodney and Drew Pomeranz, and a versatile, controllable asset like Solarte figures to generate interest as well. He has significant experience at both second and third base and despite his status as a minor league signee with the Yankees prior to his big league debut in 2014, he’s done nothing but hit since arriving in the Majors. Solarte has batted .270/.334/.419 as a big leaguer, and his best work has come this season, when he’s slashed .295/.368/.521 in 212 PAs. He’s controllable through 2019, so perhaps the Padres have a greater temptation to hold, but they’ve already traded one cheap young asset that was controlled through 2018 in Pomeranz.
- Forsythe has very closely approximated his 2015 breakout in 2016, and he’s combined to bat a hefty .279/.352/.446 with 25 homers in his past 891 plate appearances. He’s fairly pedestrian against right-handed pitching but mashes lefties and plays solid to above-average defense at second (depending on your metric of choice). He’s earning just $1MM this season (the rest of his salary coming via signing bonus), with $5.75MM owed to him in 2017 plus an $8.5MM club option for 2018 that comes with a $1MM buyout.
- Dozier’s inclusion may or may not be realistic, but now-former Twins GM Terry Ryan said before his dismissal that he felt the need to be open for business and listen on any player. His interim successor, Rob Antony, could very well be reluctant to listen on Dozier, but given the Twins’ standing, teams will almost certainly check in. The 29-year-old is on the cusp of his third straight 20-homer, 10+ steal season. His .247/.332/.454 batting line in 2016 is indicative of his low-average, plus pop skill set, but he’s sliced his strikeout rate and upped his walk rate this season. Dozier is earning $3MM this year and is owed $6MM in 2017 and $9MM in 2018.
- The Rockies have, more often than not, shown a strong resistance to selling off big league assets in July. However, GM Jeff Bridich moved Troy Tulowitzki last summer and was willing to part with a controllable outfielder this winter in Corey Dickerson. There’s no contractual need to move LeMahieu, who is arbitration eligible and controllable through 2018. He’s really upped his offensive game over the past two seasons, though, which should make him appealing to other clubs.
- There’s no indication that the Braves are looking to move Peterson, but they’ll listen on virtually anyone and project to have Dansby Swanson and Ozzie Albies as their long-term double-play tandem as it stands. Peterson could be a fine utility player, but if a club believes his .313/.395/.473 line since being recalled from a demotion to Triple-A is in any way sustainable, the Braves could net a nice piece for a player with four years of control beyond 2016.
- Villar has had a breakout season with Milwaukee and is cheap and affordable for another four years following the 2016 season. Orlando Arcia will push him off shortstop soon, but Villar can play third base once that happens. A better question would be if Milwaukee would entertain the thought of moving Scooter Gennett, who is arbitration-eligible this winter and is limited to a platoon role. There’s no urgency to deal Gennett either, but his impending arbitration and lesser club control make him a more plausible option than Villar in my mind.
Reserves and Utility Options
Gregorio Petit/Cliff Pennington/Johnny Giavotella (Angels), Alexi Amarista/Adam Rosales (Padres), Daniel Descalso (Rockies), Andres Blanco/Cesar Hernandez/Freddy Galvis (Phillies), Nick Franklin/Tim Beckham (Rays)
Any of the players listed here could add to a club’s bench mix, but most look like they’d be miscast as starters. There aren’t really any prohibitive salaries in the bunch, and any of the listed names is capable of playing all over the infield, with the possible exception of Giavotella. I don’t think anyone here would fetch much in return, but there’s something to be said for a club deepening its bench in advance of a playoff push.
Big Contracts
Brandon Phillips : Phillips is in somewhat of his own category, as he’s owed $5.26MM through season’s end and another $14MM next year. The Reds would probably love to move him — they tried this offseason but he invoked his 10-and-5 rights to veto the deal — but a 35-year-old hitting .260/.297/.372 with $19.5MM remaining on his contract isn’t going to generate tons of demand. And, as noted before, he hasn’t shown a willingness to approve a trade anyhow.
What are the Reds looking for in a trade with Phillips? Are they rumored to eating cost for prospects or just hoping to get out from under his contract? I know Phillips wants an extension, makes me wonder if a short stint in Atlanta would entice him, since he did go to HS in Georgia.
I know this is not probably ideal, but Phillips lessens pressure of Albies coming up too quickly.
Just curious on what Reds expect.
Don’t need him at all. That would be pretty dumb. We could put a ham sandwich at 2b for all I care and save money. Besides I’d rather sign Prado. He’ll be cheaper and can still hit.
Boo, boo Gogerty boo
Didn’t say wanted to trade Teheran for Phillips guys, relax. Was curious about Reds’ desire and expectations. I agree he is not “needed” nor wanted. But neither were Swish and Bourn. Reds have a couple nice young pieces missing in Atlanta, just throwing out a concept.
Cant think of anyone I would less like to see the Braves get. Ok i lied, Melvin and Melky top the list.
Gogerty, I don’t really think Phillips is a good fit in Atlanta now. I’d like to see the Braves hold on to Peterson for now though (decent filler who should easily transition into a utility role when someone steps up (Albies) to take the job from him.
I agree sir, wasn’t trying to say he was needed or best fit. Just makes me think of the Bourn/Swish/CJ trade. No we did not need either one of them, but it worked in FO eyes to eliminate some monies out of 2017 owed to CJ. Taking on Phillips while getting say Tucker Barnhart, Winker, or Stephenson. Not saying just one of all three. But there are helpful options.
I do like Barnhart, but with Mesoraco’s health issues I don’t see the Reds giving him up. Also I’m not sure that Phillips would even waive his no trade rights for anyone either.
I do see that Cincy would most likely want to get rid of Phillips’ albatross of a contract.
Well just a simple thought thrown out. I think Barnhart could team with Flowers next year, Phillips could bridge Albies a bit longer, and we wouldn’t have to give up a lot in the process due to Phillips’ contract. Small chance he might waive to be in a new park and build a little value and be on a contender at next deadline.
Regarding Phillips, he’s still given no sign that he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause. Maybe he might change his mind at the last minute for a playoff run, but I doubt he’s anxious to join the Braves while they’re one of the few teams doing worse than the Reds.
Phillips currently has a broken bone in his hand that he’s playing through, for reasons that no Reds fans understand. I hoped it’s a matter of trying to keep his appeal up as the trade deadline approached – if moving him isn’t an option he should be on the DL.
What would the Reds look for in a trade? I think the top priority would be moving him and his contract. He’s currently blocking Jose Peraza at one of the (3+) positions Peraza plays, and Peraza would likely be a more valuable guy to have in the lineup. The Reds need to play Peraza to see what they have in him, but Phillips is just in the way. At this point releasing Phillips and eating his whole contract looks like an option down the road. He’s also a guy who should clear waivers after the trade deadline.
I think during the offseason (after something of a comeback 2015 season) they were looking more to trade Phillips for prospects (but he vetoed two such deals), while this season he’s struggled so much that merely getting rid of him would now be the top priority – removing him from the lineup and roster, and saving as much cash as they can in the process.
The Reds won’t be trading top prospects like Winker or Stephenson (Robert or Tyler) to aid in a move, nor will they trade their starting catcher, Barnhart. I’m sure they’d like to move his contract, but I am certain they will NOT trade significant prospects to do it.
Good points redsfanman, appreciate the background from a Reds fan perspective. Didn’t know if Barnhart or a top prospect was worth getting rid of his contract. But home fans have a better feel for their front office for sure.
With Mesoraco being out for the year – for the second year in a row – Barnhart is again the default starting catcher. Third-string-catcher-turned-backup Ramon Cabrera has done fine, but beyond them the Reds don’t have any decent/respectable options.
The Reds have drafted catchers high each of the past two years – high schooler Tyler Stephenson last year, college catchers Chris Okey (2nd round) and Cassidy Brown (12th round, done well so far in his debut) this year. They now have some catching depth in the VERY low minors – A ball and below… but they need someone to catch until those guys are ready, and Tucker Barnhart looks like basically the only candidate.
In summary, Barnhart is currently more valuable to the Reds as a guy who can, you know… catch… than he is as trade bait. Even if Mesoraco takes the starting catcher job back next spring it won’t make Barnhart expendable, as nobody trusts Mesoraco to stay healthy.
Don’t know if my comment is delayed, so will not 100% repeat. But thank you for your perspective, that is what I was going for.
I bet the Royals will get Dozier or DJ
Maybe the Giants and put him at 3rd
Ya
I believe Kolten Wong should be on the list. He’s fallen out of favor in STL. Now I dont think he will move for prospects but if the Cards make a bigger deal I think they would be very open to moving him for a piece they want
I initially had Wong on the list, but the injury to Peralta gave me pause. Additionally, he’s cheap and has enough remaining control that they can keep him around and try him as a super-utility guy that can play some outfield and potentially move around the infield a bit.
Plus, the general idea behind the “Trade Market” series is to look at players that a contending club may acquire to play a specific position or deepen their bench. Wong could a contender’s target, but his down season lessens that possibility.
That said, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to suggest that the Cardinals would flip Wong to try to fill a need elsewhere.
I think the Braves hold on to Jace hes gone through some severe ups and downs already and looks like he can have a floor as a good utility player. I see a lot of DeRosa in him and that is a compliment. He has the right make up and mentality to last in the league even with less talent than others. I’d like to see him get more specialized work on the art of stealing bases though so his potential value as a bench player increases. If he keeps grinding he will be a fan favorite in no time no matter if hes starting or playing all over.
The front office loves him because he has a good attitude and work ethic. I doubt he’ll be moved.
I like him too, think he is a good hard nosed player. I like your DeRosa comparison. I know I mentioned Phillips above out of curiosity, but would like to see Jace develop while Albies is seasoning.
I think he has some of Jeff Blauser in him. Somewhat the same numbers in both of their first 3 years.
Wo very good 2B comparisons made in this thread with regards to Peterson.
Steve, I noticed no mention of two of the Blue Jays 2B in Goins and Barney. Both are gold glove caliber and Barney has hit the ball real well this year. With the Jay’s in need of pitching help could either of those guys return a minor league pitching prospect or solid bullpen arm?
Teheran keeps popping up in T.O, maybe they move Travis for Teheran or a package of sorts.
Cesar Hernandez name should be listed somewhere here. IMO he’s a fringe starting 2b who could net the Phils something useful in a trade and they seem pretty sure he isn’t a long term piece of their future.
Buccos trade j hey. they have Hansen and moroff in minors. he’s reached his ceiling. 280 hitter with some 10 or so homers. friendly contract won’t scare anyone away
Not possible. You obviously aren’t a Bucs fan because then you’d know how much heart and passion he gives the team. There are no substitutes in the minors including Hansen.
I think Nunez would be a good fit for the Pirates with Kang’s status up in the air.
The Mets would put Walker on the market, for a usable RH bat who can play 1B/RF.
I wonder if the Os would trade Schoop if it meant getting Jose Fernandez or Chris Sale.