MLB Trade Rumors, By Position: Yankees, Rockies Among Teams Eyeing Third Basemen, Like Jhonny Peralta

This market may not be spectacular, but at least it’s better than the shortstops.

Wes Helms, 34, Right

2010: $0.95m

Helms obviously isn’t starter material, and hasn’t been in years, but he has hit .274 for his career as a pinch-hitter, making him one of the more accomplished reserve bats around. If and when the Marlins decide to sell, Helms could easily see himself moved to another contender’s bench.

Jose Lopez, 26, Right

2010: $2.3m
2011: $4.5m club option

Lopez has followed up a promising 2009 with an absolutely dreadful 2010, and though he’s taken well to a new position at third, he’s been one of the worst hitters in baseball. If he gets moved, it’s probably to fill in off the bench with an eye towards turning him around in 2011.

Mike Lowell, 36, Right

2010: $12m

Lowell has no place on the Red Sox and thus could end up a rare acquisition by a contending team from a contending team. Righty 1B/3B types don’t fetch much, but they do have their uses, so Lowell could end up on another bench.

Jhonny Peralta, 28, Right

2010: $4.6m
2011: $7m club option

Peralta’s best days are behind him, but as a righty infielder who can play both third and shortstop, he’s an attractive piece for a contending team’s bench. What Jorge Cantu has at the plate, Peralta has in the field.

Miguel Tejada, 36, Right

2010: $6m (plus $0.15m if traded)

Tejada’s numbers are down, but moving out of Houston will do that to a hitter. He’s no longer starting material, and exists as just another righty corner infielder option on what’s a bit of a flooded market. Working in his favor is that Tejada has an impressive track record, which front offices just love.