Pick-N-Choose: Offseason Market for Tribe’s Right Fielder Could Be Thin

Shin-Soo Choo is arguably the best transaction made under the Mark Shapiro-led regime, be it during his time as GM (2001-2010) or team president (2010-current). Choo, who was acquired along with Shawn Nottingham from Seattle for first baseman Ben Broussardand cash, has developed into a solid, five-tool, owning a career .289/.381/.468 line and generally playing solid defense, though the latter has declined a bit this season.

Photo Courtesy of Keith Allison via Flickr.com

But, unfortunately for Indians fans, it’s all but a foregone conclusion that Cleveland will deal its right fielder prior to his impending free agency following 2013. And it could be a possibility that it happens sometime before the middle of December.

The organization, according to GM Chris Antonetti, have made several failed attempts at resigning Choo over the past couple of years and will listen to offers this winter, or possibly keep him till next year’s trade deadline. But it makes sense to deal him sooner rather than later, because his trade value will not only be higher the longer the potential team retains his rights (full 2013 season vs. the remaining couple of months), but the Indians, who have way too many holes to fill before contending again, also avoid the risk of having Choo hurt himself prior to next July 31. But despite a relatively strong track record, there may not be many teams vying for his services this winter.

Here are the most likely landing spots (in order):

1. Toronto Blue Jays – don’t sleep on them. They’ve been banged up quite a bit and could look to make a statement next season in the ultra-competitive AL East. Colby Rasmus is most likely the only holdover from the current starters and Anthony Gose looks ready, either starting in left next year or pushing Rasmus there. Add Choo and the Jays become a very interesting team. Plus, the team has several young arms to go along with outfielder prospect Jake Marisnick that could be packaged. No, they won’t deal Travis D’Arnaud.
2. Pittsburgh Pirates – were tied to Choo near the deadline this past season and may feel like he could help them take the final step towards the playoffs after collapsing in the second half, again. They may be inclined to give newly-acquired Travis Snider a full year to help rebuild his once-promising career, but Choo would definitely add depth to a lineup that relies so heavily on Andrew McCutchen and to a lesser degree Neil Walker and Pedro Alvarez.
3. Boston Red Sox – the team shed anincredible amount of payroll with the deal that sent Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, Carl Crawford and Nick Punto to the Dodgers. Center field belongs to Jacoby Ellsbury. And Cody Ross, who has experience in both corner outfield spots, is likely to be resigned, leaving the last spot open. Jackie Bradley is still at least a year away, and it just doesn’t seem likely that team would head into 2013 with Ryan Kalish or Ryan Sweeney as starters. And Choo is the complete player the Red Sox have often targeted. It just not a certainty that they’re willing to go big on another player after ridding the organization of some problematic contracts.
4. Seattle Mariners – they’ve regularly struggled to find even a few above-average offensive performers. And outside of John Jaso (wRC+ 140) this season, the lineup’s best hitters are two league average performers (Michael Saunders and Kyle Seager) and Jesus Montero, who’s been nine percent below the average.
5. New York Yankees – the team has three core players headed toward free agency – potentially. Nick Swisher’s contract expires following the season. And both Curtis Granderson and Robinson Cano have options. All three, however, are likely to command big money. It doesn’t seem likely that they would let Swisher walk and then deal for another impending free agent, but, well, they are the Yankees.

It is difficult envisioning Choo ending up anywhere outside of these five teams. Club’s that could use some offensive punch either don’t have a need in right field (Giants, Marlins or Orioles) or don’t have the prospects (Phillies) or the cash (Mets, Rays) or are simply out of it next year.

 

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Or if you're at work or just looking to kill more time check out the site's homepage here or the Archives tab here.