Justin Morneau's future with the Minnesota Twins is not looking great. The truth is, the first baseman has not been the same since suffering a concussion three years ago. Entering into the final year of his contract, the Twins appear to have little interest in re-signing the 32-year-old and have put him up on the trade block. Morneau is limited to either first base or being a designated hitter and having an OPS dropping by the season, his options are slim.
ESPN.com reports the Twins plan on keeping hold of Glen Perkins and trading away Morneau. The best landing spot for the veteran appears to be the New York Yankees who have shown interest. With Mark Teixeira out for the entire season with a strained wrist, the Yankees have been forced to start Lyle Overbay in his place. They could trade for Morneau and let him play out the final year of his contract so that there would not be competition with Teixeira returns next year.
The Yankees will likely trade a pitcher for the first baseman. They have been shopping both Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain. It is unclear what the Twins' interest in either player would be. Both Hughes and Chamberlain are slated to become free agents as well at the end of the season so it would not be a heavy investment for Minnesota.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have had their eye on Morneau as well. The team has been splitting time at first base between Garret Jones and Gabby Sanchez. Morneau's OPS is not as great as Sanchez's but his .737 OPS is better than Jones' .721 OPB. The Pirates would ideally like for Morneau to replace Jones at first base while adding veteran leadership to the team desperate to make the postseason.
The Tampa Bay Rays appear to be the last team showing interest in Morneau. The Rays do not have need at first base with James Loney putting up decent numbers. Luke Scott who plays the DH spots has also been impressing, so there does not seem to be a spot for Morneau. He likely would not be a starter if the Rays trade for him, but manager Joe Maddon is looking for depth and leadership, two things Morneau offers.
The first baseman is likely out before the trade deadline approaches in a few weeks. He can still offer team production despite his recent drop off. The Twins would ideal like to get something very good in his return but if they are desperate to dump him, a Yankees' pitcher might be the best deal.
