Lee willing to waive his no-trade clause?
According to Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, Cubs’ first baseman Derrek Lee may be willing to waive his no-trade clause in the right deal.
Derrek Lee has remained noncommittal on the issue of his no-trade clause. But some friends of the Cubs first baseman said this week that they believe he would accept a deal to the right team.
And if the Cubs formally decide to sell, it’s hard to imagine a better fit than the Angels.
The Angels, 4.5 games back in the American League West, are still looking for an upgrade at first base because of Kendry Morales’ season-ending injury. And they prefer someone who isn’t under contract for next season.
Why? They plan to pursue Carl Crawford as a free agent and would like to have the flexibility of sliding Bobby Abreu into a DH role once Morales returns to first.
The article notes that Lee lives in California during the off-season and would “probably be comfortable” playing in Anaheim. He’d also have the opportunity to play for a contender, which the Cubs are definitely, positively not.
Assuming he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause, then a trade to the Angels makes a lot of sense for all parties involved. The Halos need a replacement for Morales in order to try and keep up with the Rangers in the AL West, while the Cubs could take the opportunity to restock their farm system.
That said, it’s unknown if the two teams have even had trade discussions involving Lee yet, so we’ll have to see if this story develops.
Follow the Scores Report editors on Twitter @clevelandteams and @bullzeyedotcom.
Comments Off on Lee willing to waive his no-trade clause?
Posted in: MLB
Tags: Chicago Cubs, Derrek Lee, Los Angeles Angels