Jul

Top 10 MLB power hitters that could be traded by July 31

By Allan

Chicks dig it and bleacher bums love it – the long ball. If your team is lacking that offensive power, then you may want to forward this list to your general manager. Here are PRO Rumors top 10 MLB power hitters that could be traded by July 31:

10. Adrian Gonzalez, San Diego Padres, 1B: It’s going to take a blockbuster of a deal in order for the Padres to deal their first baseman. Gonzalez was available throughout the winter, but now that the Padres are competitive in the NL West, the team is more of a buyer than seller. Keep in mind that Gonzalez is not just a rental, he has an affordable $5.5 million team option for 2011. If the Pads do decide to sell, the Boston Red Sox will be happy to field a call.

9. Derrek Lee, Chicago Cubs, 1B: Lee is a free agent after this year, and since the Cubs are out of it, expect the team to try to move Lee. A good landing spot for Lee is the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels are looking for a first baseman to replace the injured Kendry Morales, and they want somebody that won’t be on the books for next year. Lee has a no-trade clause, but he may be willing to waive it for the Angels since he lives in California in the off-season, and the change of scenery could possibly boost his numbers before he is shopped this winter.

8. Vernon Wells, Toronto Blue Jays, OF: Wells is finally playing like the old Wells. The only problem is the $86 million that he’s due. If a big market team is interested, then they could make a play for him if they want to swap out a bad contract.

7. Jose Guillen, Kansas City Royals, OF/DH: Guillen has about $6.2 million left on his contract for this year before he becomes a free agent. The Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants and Tampa Bay Rays are looking for a right-handed bat, and although Guillen has primarily played DH this year, he could still play a corner outfield spot.

6. Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers, 1B: Fielder is signed through 2011, and there’s speculation that he will want as much as $200 million over eight-years, and with Scott Boras on his side, it’s likely to happen. The Brewers can’t afford that money, so they’ll move him before his contract expires. They’ll likely wait until this winter when more teams can up the bids. When they officially make him available, look for the Giants to make a play.5. Lance Berkman, Houston Astros, 1B: Berkman has a no-trade clause, but he’s willing to waive it if he can find his way onto a contender. One of his earlier stipulations was that he would waive it if his new team picked up his 2011 team-option for $15 million. Berkman has been mentioned in trade rumors with the Los Angeles Angels and the Chicago White Sox, but he’s likely their Plan B.

4. Josh Willingham, Washington Nationals, OF: Willingham is solid offensively and is under team control though 2011, so he’s very attractive to many teams. The Tampa Bay Rays were mentioned as possible suitors for Willingham last week. The Nationals want to keep Willingham long-term, but this is a business, and if given the right prospect or prospects, then GM Mike Rizzo will pull the trigger.

3. Corey Hart, Milwaukee Brewers, OF: It’s surprising that this deal has not wrapped yet. The San Francisco Giants want Hart, and the Brewers are happy to part him. The problem is that the Giants do not want to give up pitchers Jonathan Sanchez or Madison Bumgarner. Hart’s value is at his maximum, so the Brewers are better off trading him now before it’s too late. Look for the Rays to go after Hart too.

2. Adam Dunn, Washington Nationals, 1B: GM Kenny Williams of the Chicago White Sox wants Dunn bad. Dunn wants to stay in Washington, but the team doesn’t want to talk contract extension, and he’s a free agent after this year. Expect the Angels to make a push for Dunn if they can’t get somebody like Derrek Lee.

1. Jayson Werth, Philadelphia Phillies, OF: Werth is on a contract year, and the Yankees may be eyeing him come this winter. Before the Phillies lose him to Gotham, they may be better off getting something in return now. The problem is that the Phillies are fighting for the NL East title and they may not want to give up one of their biggest offensive weapons. If the Phillies decide to sell Werth, thenoutfield prospect Domonic Brown could be called up to the big league club and take Werth’s place.

Honorable mentions:

Carlos Zambrano, Chicago Cubs, P: Just another excuse to add Big-Z into an article. He has hit 20 home runs in his career, so he’s a good pinch hitting option or DH if a team is willing to take a risk.

Jermaine Dye, Free agent, OF/DH: He’s a free agent and has been out of it since last September, so he’ll have some rust. Look for the Padres or the Rockies to go after Dye before the season is done.