MLB Rumors: Mike Carp possible trade target for Pittsburgh Pirates, Milwaukee Brewers?
By Hayden Kane
In limited action for the World Series champion Boston Red Sox last season, first baseman Mike Carp was quite productive. Yet to prove he can provide that pop as an everyday player, teams in need of help at first base might look smart if they dealt for him now when his value is unknown or has not been proven yet.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe writes that the Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers might be two teams interested in pursuing a trade for Carp:
"Will a team such as the Brewers or Pirates buy into Carp being capable of being a full-time first baseman? Both could use a first baseman and Carp is coming off a big year off the bench. But even with his tremendous power and stroke, he remains a mystery. Scouts from both teams are already watching the Red Sox, and Carp in particular."
A fit with the Pirates makes a lot of sense: because Carp bats left-handed, he could form the other half of a platoon with Gaby Sanchez with the chance to win the everyday job outright. Pittsburgh would have the flexibility to see if Carp is an everyday player, and if he’s not, they can maximize his production in such a platoon.
The Brewers made a lot of sense as a possible trade partner earlier this off-season, but with left-handed veteran Lyle Overbay in the fold, the fit might not be there unless Milwaukee is truly convinced Carp is suited for an everyday role.