Three-time All-Star slugger Carlos Lee remains a legitimate trade candidate for the Astros this offseason, despite being owed $18.5 million in the final season of his six-year, $100 million deal.
Lee, 35, hit .275 with 18 home runs, 94 RBI, 38 doubles and four triples over 585 at-bats in 155 games for the Astros last season.
According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, Houston has received a few inquiries from ballclubs interested in acquiring Lee.
The Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Indians have reportedly checked in with the Astros to explore possible deals involving the veteran.
Also, other teams may be in the mix.
At this point, the Astros find themselves "open for business" and willing to field trade offers regarding their high-priced veterans.
It will help to increase Lee's trade value, especially among AL teams, once free-agent slugger Prince Fielder comes off the market.
However, a source told Examiner.com that it's still going to be a longshot for the Astros to trade Lee this offseason, even if the organization agrees to absorb half of his lucrative $18.5 million salary.
Although Houston will try to move Lee, general manager Jeff Luhnow is content with having the slugger in the club's lineup in 2012.
"A lot of people are going to be competing for jobs," Luhnow said. "Obviously, we've got some veterans who are safe. With a guy like Carlos, we'll still need to see if he is going to be at first or in the outfield. He's a very good player. We'll see how everything sorts out."
Lee is hitting .286 with 349 homers and 1,286 RBI over 13 big league seasons with the White Sox, Brewers, Rangers and Astros.
He has reached at least 80 RBI in each of his 13 career big league seasons and became the sixth active player in 2011 to record 500 RBI with two clubs (552 with Chicago; 504 with Houston).
For the latest Astros news, click on the Subscribe button at the top of the page. Also, be sure to follow Houston Astros Examiner Stephen Goff on Facebook and Twitter, or email sgoff80@yahoo.com.
Comments