MLB Trade Rumors: Interest Building in Minnesota Twins’ Denard Span

Denard Span is under contract for the rest of this season, the 2013 season, and the 2014 season.  He will make $4.75 million next season and $6.5 million in 2014.  The Twins have a 2015 team option for $9 million, but they will likely never have to make the decision of whether to exercise that option.  According to Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports, Denard Span’s season so far this year will generate a lot of trade interest in the coming month.

There have already been teams showing interest in Span.  The Nationals were linked to rumors involving Span earlier this month.  Numerous teams may soon be involved in trade offers for Span.  His contract and performance makes him the type of trade target that cause general managers to salivate.  Yet, these GM’s can’t tip their hand just yet.  We still have about a month and a half before the non-waiver trade deadline on July 31st.

Span, as Morosi points out, is having his best year since 2009.  He is currently hitting .293/.364/.400.  He has stolen seven bases and will likely steal over 25 on the year.  The 28-year old outfielder has played four Major League seasons and is currently in his fifth.  He’s a career .286 hitter with a 105 career OPS+.

On the free agent market, Span would command upwards of $10 million per season, so if a team can get him for the next two to three seasons for an average of $6.75 millions per year they may be willing to part with top-level prospects or Major League-ready players.

The Nationals could use some help in the outfield with Jason Werth’s injury.  They are currently in first place, and if they intend to make a push for the postseason this year – one year sooner than most thought they’d be ready to compete – they could use all the help they can get.

Span hasn’t had a season with less than 1.5 WAR.  He’s already accumulated 14 WAR in his career.

For more on the Minnesota Twins, be sure to check out Puckett’s Pond.