Philadelphia Phillies' first baseman Ryan Howard seemed as if he'd be untradeable after last season and at the beginning of 2015. However, the slugger has rebounded nicely and is increasing his trade value as the days go by.
Howard is now batting .270/.313/.546 with 16 runs scored, 10 home runs and 24 RBIs in 42 games so far this season. Most of that success has come over the past month during which he's hitting .303 with 10 home runs and 21 RBIs.
"This 30-game stretch from Howard is exactly what the Phillies need. It has boosted their offense, previously the worst in the league in runs scored and OPS. More importantly, it has boosted Howard's trade value, which was nonexistent through the first few weeks of April," writes Corey Seidman of CSN Philly.
"Howard and the Phillies attribute his recent success to just feeling healthy and confident. Howard admitted Saturday that physically, he's feeling the best he's felt in years."
Rumors previously suggested the Phillies were willing to cover $50 million of the remaining $60 million on Howard's contract, which makes him a two-year, $10 million investment for potential suitors. These suitors are more than likely to be an American League club because Howard profiles better as a designated hitter at this point in his career.
Seidman believes the Los Angeles Angels, Tampa Bay Rays and Minnesota Twins could be the top landing spots for Howard.
Let's take a look at how the 35-year-old would fit with these clubs.
Angels
The Angels rank 25th in the MLB in runs scored (171) and 28th in OPS (.653). General manager Jerry Dipoto indicated the team may explore the trade market for left-handed batting, especially since they recently dealt Josh Hamilton to the Texas Rangers.
Outfielder Matt Joyce, who has spent time in the DH role, has been a disappointment this year and Howard would certainly be an upgrade at this point. Not to mention, the slugger may be put in a better position to succeed surrounded by good hitters such as Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Kole Calhoun, David Freese and others.
Rays
Tampa Bay (24-22) has surprised the MLB this season and sits a half game ahead of the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East division. However, they have a number of glaring issues, starting with their struggling offense (ranks 24th in runs scored). Their best left-handed hitter right now is David DeJesus (.315/.367/.477 with 13 runs scored, 4 home runs and 18 RBIs) as first baseman James Loney sits on the disabled list with a broken finger. The team has moved Logan Forsythe to first base for the time being.
Their other left-handed batter, Kevin Kiermaier, has struggled so far this season (.238/.278/.399 with 18 runs scored, 3 home runs and 11 RBIs), so the Rays clearly need to improve in that department. Acquiring Howard would give them another option at first base if Loney misses significant time and improve their left-handed batting situation.
Twins
Minnesota (26-18) has been another surprise as they sit two games behind the Kansas City Royals for first place in the AL Central. Although they rank eighth in the MLB in runs scored (204), their other hitting categories could use improvement:
Slugging Percentage - 18th
OPS - 19th
On-Base Percentage - 20th
Home Runs - 24th
Seidman says the club lacks a presence in the middle of the order and he's right. Second baseman Brian Dozier leads the team in home runs (9) and Torii Hunter has the most RBIs (27). Their left-handed hitters have combined for four home runs and 48 RBIs, so Howard could step in and help out immediately.
If the Phillies are still willing to cover a majority of Howard's contract, don't be surprised if these three clubs begin calling general manager Ruben Amaro before the trade deadline to work out a deal (if they're still in the playoff picture).
