Chris Denorfia will likely be traded before today’s deadline, according to the NY Post’s Joel Sherman, and it would appear as though the Kansas City Royals and Atlanta Braves are the frontrunners to land him. The Seattle Mariners are also in the mix, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, but he is believed to just be a fallback option for them in the event that they can’t land Alex Rios from the Texas Rangers.
Denorfia is getting moved today from #Padres. #Royals and #Braves are the leaders
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 31, 2014
If no Rios for #Mariners, Denorfia appears to be backup plan. #Braves also have been on Denorfia.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2014
Denorfia has struggled this season after a few solid years with the Padres. He’s batting just .242/.293/.319 on the year, but he does have experience across all three outfield positions. He’s also used to a bench role, which could serve valuable to a contending team looking to make a push for the postseason. The 34 year old will be a free agent at season’s end.
A .275/.335/.397 career hitter over parts of nine season, Denorfia does hit left-handed pitching well which also would be a plus. His career marks against southpaws are .301/.367/.443.