Chris Denorfia trade rumors: Braves, Royals leading race

The San Diego Padres have a young and upcoming roster and knowing they need to clear space, outfielder Chris Denorfia is not in their long-term plans. Given that, it’s all but assured that the veteran will be traded before the Thursday deadline.

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Multiple teams have been said to have interest in Chris Denorfia including the San Francisco Giants and Seattle Mariners. However, with just hours until the deadline strikes, it’s the Atlanta Braves and Kansas City Royals who are currently leading the bidding to acquire Denorfia, this according to Joel Sherman.

While Chris Denorfia isn’t an All-Star level player, he’s a fan favorite thanks to his grind-it-out, hard nosed style of play. He won’t consistently hit for .300 nor will he clobber 25 home runs, but he leaves everything on the field and never takes a play off.

From running out routine grounders to giving up his body in the outfield, Chris Denorfia is a welcome addition to any clubhouse and he can hold his weight with the stick as well, though he has struggled this season.

Given his pending free agent status and the fact that the San Diego Padres have no plans to re-sign the veteran, Chris Denorfia’s price tag shouldn’t be very high at all. If anything, the amount of teams looking for a ‘cheap’ outfielder has likely risen Denorfia’s price, but in terms of prospects, acquiring teams won’t have to part with much.

The Royals are likely to place Chris Denorfia in right field if they trade for the veteran while the Braves may be more interested in a platoon situation.