The Phillies have made no secret of their desire to trade their first baseman, Ryan Howard. As the Phillies look to move him, they have in their way the same no-trade clause given to other Phillies, including pitchers Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels.
Jerry Crasnick of ESPN writes:
A source familiar with Howard's contract told ESPN.com Monday that those nine teams are: the Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox.
Howard's list appears to be about strategy as much as personal preference. Most of the nine teams where Howard can be traded without his consent either have small payrolls or no need for a first baseman/DH, so the list doesn't appear to provide many promising options for Amaro.
There are indeed only a few options on this list.
Here is a rundown of the nine:
Detroit Tigers:
The Tigers re-signed designated hitter Victor Martinez, one of the top designated hitters in the game today. There is no room for Howard at first base either, with Miguel Cabrera playing first base.
Kansas City Royals:
The Royals reportedly discussed Howard with the Phillies, but instead opted to make a two-year commitment with designated hitter Kendrys Morales. Morales is getting two years and $17 million from the Royals, who might have had Howard cheaper. Howard gave more offensive production than Morales last year. Nevertheless, the Royals are set with Morales.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:
With Josh Hamilton and Albert Pujols on the roster, the Angels are going to need their designated hitter spot as the two of them age. Might they fit Howard in? Technically they could add a designated hitter, but it might not be so prudent.
Seattle Mariners:
The Mariners opened up the pocketbook to add 40-homer Nelson Cruz to their lineup. Though Cruz could play outfield, the Mariners signed him to be their designated hitter. The Mariners still have former mega-prospect Jesus Montero around, as well as Logan Morrison to play first base. They may just be content with giving Montero and Morrison the playing time.
New York Yankees:
The Yankees already have one $60 million designated hitter on the books with Alex Rodriguez. Nobody really knows what the Yankees will get out of Rodriguez next year, but he will not return to third base since the Yankees re-signed third baseman Chase Headley. I suppose the Yankees could cut Rodriguez and need to pick up another designated hitter down the line, but that happening before Spring Training breaks is unlikely.
Texas Rangers:
Prince Fielder occupies either the designated hitter or first base spot for the next few years. It is easy to forget Fielder is on the Rangers, since he was traded to Texas and promptly got hurt. Mitch Moreland played some outfield but is a likely bet to be a first baseman or designated hitter. Since both of them are left-handed, adding a third is unlikely.
Boston Red Sox:
The Red Sox have first baseman Mike Napoli and Allen Craig is still on the Boston roster for now. With the ageless David Ortiz not budging from the designated hitter role, there is no room for Howard on the roster.
Now for the best two options:
Tampa Bay Rays:
The new-look Tampa Bay Rays have next to zero power in their lineup. James Loney, the team's first baseman, hit nine home runs in 2014. Ben Zobrist hit 10, and likely will be traded before camp breaks. Evan Longoria, the team's third baseman that they are not trading hit one fewer than Howard in 2014. The Rays appear desperate for any type of power, and if the Phillies can eat most of the money, the Rays may give Howard a shot.
Howard's new home is within spitting distance of Tropicana Field, which would make the Rays appealing to him as well.
Baltimore Orioles:
The Orioles currently have Delmon Young as their designated hitter, provided he passes a physical on Wednesday. Yep, that Delmon Young. Young is right-handed and the Orioles could use a left-handed option to compliment him. Young did play 29 games in the outfield for the Orioles last year, so there could be some extra room there.
First base is occupied by Chris Davis, so there is no room there. But if the price is right, Howard might be a fit in Baltimore.
