Chris Denorfia has emerged as an intriguing trade target.
The Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers and Colorado Rockies are among at least six teams that have called the San Diego Padres about Denorfia this offseason, according to Peter Gammons. Padres general manager Josh Byrnes reportedly has told clubs that he plans to keep Denorfia as long as he thinks San Diego can contend for a playoff berth.
The Padres finished the 2013 season with a 76-86 record, 16 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West. San Diego has some intriguing starting pitchers, though, so Byrnes’ bunch might be able to stay competitive for much of 2014, thus eliminating a potential trade involving Denorfia.
The reported interest in Denorfia speaks more about the weak market than about his prowess, but the 33-year-old would be a nice pickup for a contender. Denorfia is a career .280 hitter who batted .279 with 10 homers and 47 RBIs in 144 games last season. More importantly, he can play all three outfield positions, and right-handed-hitting outfielders capable of playing center field are at a premium.
The Red Sox are set to enter the 2014 season with 23-year-old Jackie Bradley Jr. as their everyday center fielder now that Jacoby Ellsbury plays for the New York Yankees.
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Photo via Wikipedia/Chris Denorfia
