Daniel Hudson, Michael Bourn among D-backs who could be moved in August
Aug 4, 2016, 6:30 AM
Daniel Hudson and Michael Bourn (Associated Press)
(Associated Press)
The trade deadline may have passed, but the Arizona Diamondbacks could still hope to work out a trade before the waiver period ends at the end of August.
The rest of the month allows MLB teams to place players on revocable waivers and work out trades for those players if a team claims that player — or trade them freely if they clear waivers. Teams that put a player on the waiver-wire can also reclaim the player one time if a claiming team doesn’t have a suitable trade package in mind.
In short, that means the D-backs could still have a shot at getting value out of reliever Daniel Hudson, who is the most-likely candidate considering his expiring contract.
Both ESPN’s Buster Olney and MLB.com’s Paul Hagen named Hudson as the Diamondbacks most valuable trade chip. Writes Olney:
He’s been awful of late, having allowed 22 earned runs in his last 16⅓ innings, but at this time of the year, a few good outings can quickly change the perception of a struggling reliever.
Hagen adds that three teams reportedly were interested in Hudson prior to the deadline despite his 7.22 ERA. A fringe-playoff team very well could see Hudson as a reliever who could push them over the top, but that’s a big “if” until the pitcher turns things around.
Olney offered another Arizona player who might be an intriguing trade chip: Veteran outfielder Michael Bourn.
The midseason signee has quietly put together a solid year by batting .253 wtih 23 RBI in 66 games. Bourn could be expendable with outfielder David Peralta back off the disabled list and center fielder A.J. Pollock potentially close to making his rehab assignment.
Pollock, Peralta, Yasmany Tomas, Rickie Weeks Jr. and infielders Chris Owings and Brandon Drury would provide reasonable depth in the outfield if the D-backs are healthy and feel comfortable dealing Bourn.
Olney thinks a team with an outfield spot to fill would be willing to make a deal for the 33-year-old.
He’s making minimum wage, has a tremendous reputation as a teammate and is hitting .260. He may well clear waivers and be someone who can help a contender coping with an injury.
