MLB Trade Deadline 2017: 5 best spots for Zack Cozart

The MLB trade deadline is coming quickly, so here are five potential landing spots for Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart.

After a somewhat promising start this season, the Cincinnati Reds have faded back into last place in the NL Central. So they should be sellers as the MLB trade deadline nears, and shortstop Zach Cozart looks like the player that will appeal most to contending teams.

Cozart missed time in June with a quad injury, but he returned for the final day of the month and has resumed his All-Star season (.322/.403/.555 slash-line, nine home runs and 33 RBI entering action on July 3). That’s good timing as the Reds look to move him in a trade, unless the two sides agree to a contract extension and keep him around long-term. But as of now, Cozart is in the last year of his contract and a viable trade chip.

Cozart is also an excellent defensive shortstop, which should only bolster the return Cincinnati can get in a trade. Jose Peraza should be able to capably step in as the every day shortstop for the Reds, with an eye to the future, and here are five teams that should have some interest in Cozart.

5. Minnesota Twins

In their first season with the Twins, front office leaders Derek Falvey and Thad Levine knew they were entering a learning year in an effort to bring the franchise back to playoff contention. But one of the most surprising teams in baseball is in the playoff race, with some clear weaknesses to address though.

Jorge Polanco has acquitted himself fairly well defensively as Minnesota’s regular shortstop, but he is hitting just .238 with a .286 on-base percentage entering game action on July 3. That doesn’t mean the Twins should give up on him, with his 24th birthday on July 5, but more is needed offensively.

Cozart does not fit the mold Falvey and Levine want, as a longer-term asset to make a deal for. But he would fill a need for Minnesota, if the price is right.