Trade Profiles: Hunter Pence

Yes Hunter Pence is back. There were rumors that the Phillies could put him on the block but the Cole Hamels signing just blew them up. Add in that Jose Cruz Jr. is tweeting that "Pence says his days as a Phillie are numbered" and it's just an all out frenzy. He's been linked to the Pirates by big names like Jayson Stark (speculation) and just today by John Perrotto (fact) so lets profile him shall we?

Pence is considered a star and is putting up stellar numbers again this year. He has 17 HRs a .267 avg. 59 RBIs and a .781 OPS. Not astonishing but the Phillies are having a poor season. Before you all say he's perfect, I want you to look at another player. He has 19 HRs, 58 RBIs, .274 avg. and an OPS over .800. You know who it is? You would if you read my last trade profile that many of you probably skipped over because of the name. That's Alfonso Soriano (you all will probably go read his profile now after you finish reading this). He's playing on a worse team and is putting up better stats. I don't know if giving up Starling Marte is worth Pence. Another concern is that he's been inconsistent in the field this year. I don't put much into that because he's been great over the past few years. He's arbitration eligible for next year so he's not a rental but can the Pirates pay what he's going to be worth?

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have Pence here but I wouldn't give up Starling Marte for him. Alen Hanson is another question but I'd probably do it. Honestly the odds of this trade depend on if the Phillies want value, or a pure salary dump. The salary dump works in the Pirates favor, but I'd say it's not likely. So what I'm saying, don't get too excited. I don't think Pence will be in a Pirates uniform this year even though he'd be a nice fit.