ESPN MLB insider Tim Kurkjian on trading Gerardo Parra: ‘Maybe you’ve got to look at it’

It’s the time of year when rumors swirl as the MLB trade deadline nears on July 31st. Teams out of contention like the Arizona Diamondbacks are looking to swap experience for young talent that could help them improve down the road. Teams in the playoff hunt are looking for players who can help them win now and make a run deep into October.

According to ESPN MLB insider Tim Kurkjian, D-backs outfielder Gerardo Parra could be an enticing piece on the market for a team that wants to get better right away.

“I think he does have some value out there,” Kurkjian told Burns and Gambo Thursday afternoon on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. “Defensively he’s really really good.”

In his six-year career with the Diamondbacks, Parra has become one of the better defensive players in the game. He is known for his big arm and ability to throw out runners from the outfield, which helped him earn a gold glove in 2011 and 2013. Kurkjian mentioned his ability in the field would only heighten his asking price if the D-backs were to put him on the trading block.

“The emphasis on defense has to continue and if you have an outfielder that can go get the ball and control the running game from the outfield, that guy certainly has the value,” Kurkjian said. “My guess is that the Diamondbacks should hold on to somebody like that.”

Even though Kurkjian said the D-backs would be best served keeping Parra, it may also be tempting to get rid of a player hitting only .254 with six home runs and 30 RBI this season. Kurkjian mentioned that he’s better offensively than the numbers show, but added that trading away Parra is still an option worth exploring.

“If they can get a younger piece for him, maybe a more offensive piece, then maybe you’ve got to look at it,” Kurkjian said.

Follow @AZSports