The Major League Baseball trade deadline looms large in the eyes of most teams’ General Managers.  Up until 4PM on July 31st, buyers and sellers alike will be searching for deals that could thrust their team into contention this year, or provide them with young talent to build upon for future campaigns.  Let’s shift focus away from the team perspective, and take a look at some veteran players that could gain a spark from being relocated before the trade deadline. 

Jeff Francoeur, Right Fielder – Kansas City Royals

Francoeur is in the middle of his eighth season in the big leagues which has come with its’ fair share of struggles.  He’s hitting only .214 with 13 runs batted in and three home runs.  His batting average thus far is .50 points below his career average and he’s on pace for a career low in runs batted in.  The fact that Mike Moustakas, Billy Butler, and Eric Hosmer are also struggling is not helping him at all, considering hits are generally contagious.  Francoeur could be a solid third or fourth outfielder on a contending team, such as the San Francisco Giants or Tampa Bay Rays.

Raul Ibanez, Left Fielder – Seattle Mariners

Ibanez proved that he could still be a valuable, clutch player last year with his postseason heroics with the New York Yankees.  His power numbers have continued this year, having already slugged 14 home runs.  In fact, Ibanez is actually on pace to break his career high in home runs (34).  His batting average, however, is very low for him, sitting at .232 for the season.  His Mariners team is currently 10.5 games back of the first place Oakland Athletics and I don’t think the situation will improve.  I think Ibanez could benefit from some legitimate protection in the lineup.  As crazy as it may seem, the New York Yankees could be a potential suitor to snag Ibanez before the deadline.

Shaun Marcum, Starting Pitcher – New York Mets

This Mets’ righty is having a very unforgettable season so far, but for the wrong reason.  Marcum is 0-9 through nine starts this season.  For anyone that has followed Marcum throughout his career, these numbers don’t make sense.  Before this season, he was 22 games above .500 with a 57-35 career record.  He’s only receiving less than four runs per game from his offense, which has struggled mightily all season.  If anyone needs a change of scenery, it’s Shaun Marcum.  I think the Colorado Rockies would be a nice fit, despite the hitters’ atmosphere.  The Rockies score a lot of runs, and that’s just what Marcum needs at this point.

Alexei Ramirez, Shortstop – Chicago White Sox

The White Sox’ 31 year-old shortstop is on pace for career lows in home runs and runs batted in, having only one and 14 respectively.  He’s on a team in last place that shows no signs of moving up in the standings, despite ace Chris Sale’s best efforts.  Ramirez is a career .275 hitter with an on-base percentage of .314.  He could definitely benefit from a change of scenery, particularly a more competitive scene.  I could see him going to the Colorado Rockies, where he could challenge Josh Rutledge for the starting job; or at the very least be a solid backup.

Carlos Pena, First Baseman – Houston Astros

The Astros slugger is on pace for the least amount of home runs in his last six seasons.  His .223 average is on par with his career average, so potential suitors shouldn’t be concerned about that.  His home run potential, similar to Raul Ibanez’, could be greatly utilized on a contending team and could potentially bust Pena out of his power slump.  The most likely contender to have any interest in Pena would be the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Their current first baseman, Garrett Jones, has similar numbers, but doesn’t have the proven track record that Pena does.