Two Arizona Diamondbacks land on list of early trade candidates
May 12, 2014, 9:31 PM | Updated: 9:32 pm
To say things haven’t gone the Arizona Diamondbacks’ way this season would be a vast understatement.
Entering play Monday, the D-backs own the third-worst record in all of baseball and are just 3-15 at home. They’ve lost pitchers Patrick Corbin and David Hernandez to injury for the season and outfielder Mark Trumbo is out for an extended period of time.
While there is still plenty of baseball to be played, these pitfalls have put the Diamondbacks into the category of potential sellers — teams that may attempt to trade veteran players for younger future prospects.
Former MLB executive and ESPN insider Jim Bowden has put together his list of the top ten early trade candidates, and two D-backs are on it.
At No. 8, Bowden lists Martin Prado as a possibility.
The Diamondbacks must rebuild and Prado will be one of their most sought-after players because of his versatility, ability to get on base and excellent makeup. There are several teams looking for an upgrade at second or third base, so it should be a pretty good market in which GM Kevin Towers can deal. Prado is signed through 2016 at $11 million per year, which isn’t cheap, but isn’t exorbitant in the current market.
Clubs that might fit with Arizona include the Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants.
Prado signed a contract extension after being acquired by Arizona prior to the 2013 season, but has largely been a disappointment. The veteran is hitting .248 with 12 RBI and has a minuscule .288 on-base percentage this season.
At No. 10 on the list is second baseman Aaron Hill.
In order to trade Hill, the Diamondbacks will have to eat some of his $12 million annual salary, which runs through 2016. They also need to move toward the future and give either Didi Gregorius or Nick Ahmed the opportunity to finish their development at the major league level.
Hill, 32, is just two years removed from 26 home runs and 85 RBIs, and he would represent an upgrade for a few teams. The Yankees, Athletics, Orioles, Marlins and Braves could all be fits.
The streaky Hill is third on the club with 21 RBI this season, but is currently in the midst of an 0-for-12 stretch at the plate.
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