Even before the Los Angeles Angels signed outfielder Josh Hamilton to a massive contract, they had more outfielders than they needed. Now they definitely have too many, and have had discussions with the New York Yankees about the possibility of trading Vernon Wells, according to Ken Rosenthal.
Yankees, Angels discussed Vernon Wells
The Los Angeles Angels could find an unlikely trading partner for Vernon Wells in the New York Yankees. Not unlikely because it’s the Yankees, but because it is Vernon Wells.
Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE
Wells seems a strange candidate for the trade block. He has struggled in his two seasons with the Angels, hitting an anemic .222/.258/.409. That kind of performance is usually indicative of a DFA rather than a trade. But Wells is scheduled to make $42 million over the next two years, so the Angels aren't likely to just cut him. But with Hamilton, Rookie of the Year Mike Trout, Mark Trumbo and Peter Bourjos also on the roster, the Angels are likely to move one of Trumbo, Bourjos and Wells before the season begins.
Trumbo and Bourjos seem the most likely candidates, but the Yankees could be interested in Wells if the Angels pay most of his salary. The Yankees are looking for a right-handed hitting outfielder to serve in the role Andruw Jones played the last two seasons. With Jones moving to the Rakuten Eagles in Japan, Wells could be a suitable replacement. While he has clearly declined since his peak years, he has a history of hitting lefties well. And with the Yankees' outfield currently boasting lefties Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson and Ichiro Suzuki, Wells' bat could help balance that out.
Wells does have a no-trade clause, but he could be persuaded to waive it for the promise of more playing time. With the way the Angels’ roster is constructed right now, it does not look like he would see the field too often.
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