Remember when Phillies’ GM Matt Klentak told CSNPhilly’sJim Salisbury that if the Phillies were in contention in July, the team was”going to do everything we can to help this team improve and get better and make a run at it”? Well, the rumors have already begun and one name, former Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis, has come to the surface thanks to the Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo. The Boston writer, who first discussed the trade market for the Reds’ Jay Bruce, said both the Phillies and Royals were potential suitors for Markakis, “though the money is an issue there, especially with the Royals.” The outfielder has struggled a bit in Atlanta over his first 42 games this season — but who hasn’t?
He has hit .245 with 24 RBI and just one homer, though still has a career average of .290 and has hit as many as 20 home runs and 100 RBI twice in his career (both while he was with the Orioles).
Signed as a free agent in 2015 by Atlanta, Markasisis still due $11 million per season until the end of 2018.
MLB trade rumors: Phillies, Royals interested in trading for Braves’ Nick Markakis
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