The trade rumors surrounding Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Ben Revere have a ton of traction. The Los Angeles Angels could be a top suitor for the 27-year-old as they're seeking a left-handed bat for their outfield.
According to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, scouts are "tracking" Revere because it's likely the Phillies will look to trade him once Cody Asche and Domonic Brown return from their stints in the minor leagues. Rosenthal also noted the Angels have expressed interest earlier this month.
About a week ago the idea of acquiring Revere was proposed by Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register after he spoke with Angels' general manager Jerry Dipoto about the club's offensive struggles. Dipoto said he's open to "supplementing the team and finding ways to get better as we go," which prompted Fletcher to suggest Revere, among others.
"Philadelphia's Ben Revere could also be a fit. Revere, 27, led the National League in hits last year, and he hit .306. He's mostly a slap hitter with speed and no power, but he would certainly be an upgrade. He's making $4.1 million this year, then is arbitration eligible for two more years."
Revere is batting .268/.314/.356 with 17 runs scored and 12 RBIs right now, but perhaps a change of scenery to a much more talented Angels' lineup could increase his production. Los Angeles freed up around $6 million when they traded outfielder Josh Hamilton to the Texas Rangers, so they'd easily be able to take on Revere's salary, although he isn't exactly a power-hitter - he has two home runs in 532 career games.
However, the other potential options that could hit the trade market will perhaps be costly both financially and in the exchange of resources. Those previously suggested outfielders include Carlos Gomez of the Milwaukee Brewers, Carlos Gonzalez and Charlie Blackmon of the Colorado Rockies, Andre Ethier of the Los Angeles Dodgers, to name a few. (We also mentioned Alex Gordon of the Kansas City Royals, but as time goes on that appears to be more and more unlikely.)
"If the Angels were to swing a deal for Revere, he'd provide them with a pretty formidable outfield, joining Mike Trout and Kole Calhoun," writes FOX Sports. "However, Revere is primarily a center fielder, and the Angels already have that position locked down with Trout. Whether that affects the team's actual interest in Revere remains to be seen.
"Of course, rumors in May don't always pan out, but the Angels should be in the market for outfield depth for defensive and offensive purposes."
Dipoto has time to weigh his options. The Angels are sitting at .500 right now and aren't in too big of a rush just yet. We'll have a better idea of their plans come June/July.
