Chicago Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee is a free agent after this year and it’s no secret that, if possible, the Cubs would like to move him. One potential hurdle? Lee has no-trade protection. But it sounds like that might not actually be much of a hurdle after all.
Derrek Lee has remained noncommittal on the issue of his no-trade clause. But some friends of the Cubs first baseman said this week that they believe he would accept a deal to the right team.
And if the Cubs formally decide to sell, it’s hard to imagine a better fit than the Angels.
The Angels, 4.5 games back in the American League West, are still looking for an upgrade at first base because of Kendry Morales’ season-ending injury. And they prefer someone who isn’t under contract for next season.
Why? They plan to pursue Carl Crawford as a free agent and would like to have the flexibility of sliding Bobby Abreu into a DH role once Morales returns to first.
So, what would be in it for Lee?
First, he would probably be comfortable in Anaheim; he lives in California during the off-season. FOX Sports on MSN.
The second reason is that he’ll have a chance to compete for the playoffs, but that one is kind of obvious.
The other big first basemen who could be traded this year include Adam Dunn and Prince Fielder. Each would be a more attractive option than Lee in terms of likely production; but each would cost a fair bit more. Dunn is a free agent after this year, but Fielder has another year of arbitration. Xavier Nady can also play first base.