The Philadelphia Phillies are trying to improve their club, and that's all general manager Ruben Amaro is willing to say about it. It seems natural that the Phillies would be sellers at this year's deadline -- which is just over a week away -- but Amaro has hesitated in the past.
Marlon Byrd trade rumors: Reds join Royals, Mariners in pursuit of Phillies OF
Several teams have shown interest despite the 36-year-old’s relatively long-term contract.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
This year, one of the team's notable trade chips is 36-soon-to-be-37-year-old outfielder Marlon Byrd, who the Phillies signed to a two-year, $16 million deal that includes a vesting option for 2016 if Byrd sees regular playing time. The $8 million option vests if Byrd sees 600 plate appearances in 2015 or 550 plate appearances in 2015 and a total of 1,100 plate appearances in 2014 and 2015.
That commitment seems a lot more substantial when Byrd’s age is factored into the situation. Combine that with some solid power numbers and the Phillies have an obvious trade piece on their hands. They will untether themselves of Byrd’s contract, they might get a decent player in return, and several teams could use a power hitting outfielder.
The Mariners have been consistently reported as potential Byrd suitors and Fox Sports' Jon Morosi reported the Royals' interest on Sunday. The Reds are likely to join the mix after general manager Walt Jocketty disclosed his interest in adding a bat to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. Jocketty called the quiet trade market "a little surprising," but things could easily pick up as the deadline nears. CSN Philly's Jim Salisbury reports that Reds are interested in Byrd as well as relief pitcher Antonio Bastardo.
Cincinnati could look into adding a left-handed bat as well, but Byrd could ride out his recent power surge rather productively in a park like the Great American Ballpark.
Byrd has a four-team no-trade clause, which includes the Mariners, the Royals, the Blue Jays and the Rays, according to CSN Philly.
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