Texas Rangers trade feature: Is Shin-Soo Choo gone by July 31st?

Who wants Shin-Soo Choo?

Cleveland Indians?

A return to Cleveland for Choo seems possible. Aside from Michael Brantley, the Indians have seen very little production from their remaining outfielders. There isn’t much of a need for Choo at the top of the order, but he could add depth towards the bottom. He would fit very well in the leadoff role; however, that role is currently held by Francisco Lindor.

Choo would make any offense better, but it’s tough to say offense is a true need for a Cleveland team that ranks 5th in MLB in runs scored. Though, perhaps the Texas Rangers could solidify a deal by tossing in one of their top relief pitchers. The Indians have the worst bullpen in baseball this season and the Rangers have one of the best. We’ll see if anything gets done with Cleveland, but there certainly seems to be some fits.

Arizona Diamondbacks?

The Diamondbacks are still searching for a solution in right field. After being traded to Arizona this past offseason, Steven Souza has played in just 19 games this year. He has not played well in his few chances and a contending Diamondbacks team doesn’t have much luxury to determine whether or not Souza can hold his own as the season narrows.

They acquired outfield Jon Jay for some assistance; however, he is not a player of great impact. If the D’Backs want a player of impact then they should acquire Shin-Soo Choo. Choo will help inflate the 22nd-ranked .310 team OBP for Arizona. His gap-to-gap power will also play well in a large Chase Field outfield.

The Diamondbacks have a very good starting rotation to go along with the best bullpen in MLB. What they need is an additional impact bat to help strengthen their lineup. That bat is carried by Shin-Soo Choo.

Yes, Souza is under team control through 2020. But Arizona is playing to win now. Choo will help them win now; they can figure out the outfield surplus once the offseason hits.

Seattle Mariners?

The Mariners have a middle of the road offense. While they have played very well without Robinson Cano, there is no doubt they miss his lineup presence. Dee Gordon has taken over at second base in Cano’s absence. Thus, center field has become an area of weakness for Seattle. They could also use some help in left field. Denard Span was acquired earlier in the year to play left. He has done okay, but there are definitely better options out there.

Shin-Soo Choo, for example. Choo is probably not a center field candidate, though, the Mariners could shift Mitch Haniger over from right field. Nelson Cruz is Seattle’s DH and perhaps the best DH in all of baseball. Therefore, Choo would have to play one of the outfield corners regularly.

Choo could contribute anywhere from first to seventh in the Seattle lineup. Dee Gordon is a great player; however, Choo is a better leadoff hitter. He could set the table for the big bats in the middle while producing great power of his own at the top of the order.