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Choosing the 2016 All-Rumor team
- Updated: July 29, 2016
In the final shopping days before Monday’s 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline, contenders can find a piece to address just about any need, as long as they are willing to pay the price.
Infielders and outfielders, starters and relievers, all of them have been the subject of speculation. Here, then, is the “All-Rumor” team, made up of still-available players at each position whose names have come up in recent trade rumors.
Catcher: Jonathan Lucroy, Brewers Trade talks are reportedly heating up for Lucroy, and it’s not difficult to see the attraction, considering the difficulty of finding a catcher who is a true two-way player. Lucroy carries a strong reputation for his work behind the plate and is batting .300/.361/.486 with 17 doubles, 13 home runs and 50 RBIs. As a bonus, an acquiring team would have to pay him only the prorated portion of his $4 million salary before exercising a modest $5.25 million option for 2017.
First base: Steve Pearce, Rays Pearce would be a low-cost rental after signing a one-year, $4.75 million contract with Tampa Bay last offseason. Although first base has been his primary position this year, the 33-year-old offers some versatility, having spent time at second, third and both corner-outfield spots within the past two seasons. Pearce’s biggest selling point is his bat, especially against lefties. He owns a .312/.384/.528 overall line this season, and his .898 OPS off southpaws since 2013 makes him a valuable platoon bat, at minimum.
Second base: Jurickson Profar, Rangers The former top prospect is an exception here, as a 23-year-old playing for a contender. But Profar’s name has come up frequently in rumors, as a target for clubs in negotiations with the Rangers. A natural shortstop blocked in Texas by Elvis Andrus, Profar has been a solid utilityman this year, splitting time mostly between first, second and third. Following two seasons wrecked by shoulder injuries, the switch-hitter has a solid .294/.347/.411 line with four homers in 49 games. With three more seasons of club control remaining, Profar is an enticing piece.
Third base: Danny Valencia, A’s Valencia isn’t known for his defense at the hot corner, but the 31-year-old has been a force with the bat the past two …
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