Once a solid slugger who looked like a star in the making, Willie Calhoun has now been sent back to the Minors.
The left-handed outfielder has been ice cold to start the season, and manager Chris Woodward thinks he needs to work on his swing if he wants to get over the hump. But all things considered, it seems like his days with the Texas Rangers are all but over.
Calhoun felt like the Rangers pulled the trigger on him too soon. He claims that it felt like fighting an uphill battle, so he rathered to ask for a trade:
“I respectfully did [ask for a trade],” Calhoun said. “I just respectfully asked them like, ‘If I’m not part of the future here with this team, is there any way that we can work out a trade or anything?’ I didn't do it in a disrespectful way, but I'm just looking out for myself. I’m 27, it’s not like I’m 22 with all this time to develop anymore."
With that in mind, let's look at three teams that could make a run at him.
The Boston Red Sox didn't get off to the start of the season they were hoping for. And a lot of that has had to do with their dormant offense. With that in mind, Jackie Bradley Jr. could be on his way out.
So, with a vacant on the outfield and the need for a left-handed batter, Chaim Bloom could try and make the most of this situation, as the Rangers won't ask for too much in return for him. Calhoun isn't seeing the ball well right now, but, to be fair, the sample size was relatively small.
The San Diego Padres are always looking to add more depth to their outfield. They were reportedly interested in Joey Gallo, so why not pursue another left-handed outfielder struggling somewhere else?
While a strong contender, the Padres don't have an elite set of weapons on the outfield, trusting Wil Myers and Trent Grisham more than any other player. They've been trying to trade Eric Hosmer for quite some time now, so this could be a win-win scenario.
Willie Calhoun would undoubtedly love to go back home and join the San Francisco Giants. And, even though they're pretty stacked on the outfield, they've been known for turning other teams' garbage into gold.
Gabe Kapler is a master at situational baseball, so you know he can never have enough left-handed hitters. They have enough depth to pull off a deal without giving up too much, and the Rangers could certainly use one of the many pieces they have to give away.
