To every MLB team not looking to spend money: Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Khris Davis is reportedly available in a trade.
Well, that's not really a surprise since Jon Heyman reported last week that "rival teams say everyone with the Brewers is available," but the latest rumors have zoned in on Davis.
"With so many free-agent alternatives still available at the position, this isn't the optimal time to trade an outfielder. But look for the Milwaukee Brewers to move left fielder Khris Davis at the July non-waiver trade deadline, if not before then," writes FOX Sports' Jon Morosi.
"The Brewers are beginning a full rebuild under first-year general manager David Stearns, and Davis (with a powerful bat and manageable salary) is one of his best trade chips.
"Since the start of the 2013 season, Davis is one of only two major leaguers to hit at least 60 home runs while playing in 325 or fewer games. The other is Jose Abreu."
Davis could be of interest to a number of MLB teams looking for a left fielder, but Stearns will likely set a high asking price for the 28-year-old. Davis batted .247/.323/.505 with 54 runs scored, 27 home runs and 66 RBI in 121 games in 2015 as a member of the MLB's 22nd-ranked offense. Additionally, the former seventh-round draft pick is under club control through 2019 and won't become eligible for arbitration until after 2016.
Morosi says it's not the "optimal time" to trade an outfielder, but perhaps it is. Many MLB teams have expressed a reluctance to dish out long-term lucrative contracts at this point in the offseason, and the remaining outfielders in free agency (Yoenis Cespedes, Justin Upton, Alex Gordon, Gerardo Parra, Dexter Fowler, Denard Span) are looking for multi-year commitments or $100 million deals.
On that same note, we've also seen the colossal asking price for young, controllable players. Although that has mostly pertained to starting pitchers, it's not outlandish to think the same would hold true for power-hitting outfielders. Still, while Davis has an .809 OPS in 321 career games, his defense is nothing to write home about, he does not hit for average and he's had weak on-base percentages in 2014 (.299) and 2015 (.323).
The trade market could certainly be a place MLB teams begin to look for outfield help. Last week it was reported the Angels, who are in dire need of a left fielder, were looking for "cost-efficient controllable" players as opposed to the high-end options in free agency. And even during an offseason where there is a plethora of established starting pitching available, teams still went out and paid high prices for Shelby Miller while a number of others have been inquiring about Jose Fernandez. That was with Wei-Yin Chen, Yovani Gallardo, Scott Kazmir and other established veterans still available.
The rebuilding Brewers have already dealt closer Francisco Rodriguez and first baseman Adam Lind this offseason. It's not going to end there, so look for Davis to garner some interest if teams begin to exhaust their options in free agency.
