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MLB Trade Deadline: 5 best spots for Brett Gardner

By Parker Hurley

Sep 12, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner (11) hits his second 3 run home run of the game during the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner (11) hits his second 3 run home run of the game during the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 26, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Houston Astros batter Jose Altuve (27) singles against the Kansas City Royals during the fourth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Houston Astros batter Jose Altuve (27) singles against the Kansas City Royals during the fourth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Houston Astros

This a tough sell given that the Astros have a young influx of talent to come in the next few months. Still, they could be getting desperate to catch the Rangers this year. Gardner would be a perfect fit for the now, and if the Astros can work out a reasonable deal, they can figure out playing time for the their young players around Gardner.

Gardner would be able to lead off for the Astros. While George Springer has been fine as a lead off hitter, his power potential serves him to be hitting lower in the order with men on base, even if that is just to second for now. The top four of Gardner, Springer, Jose Altuve, and Carlos Correa would be as tough as any in baseball.

It would make Jake Marisnick and Colby Rasmus extremely expendable and can find them a return for prospects they spent on Gardner. It does make it harder to find AJ Reed and Alex Bregman playing time, but there will be spots at third base, first base, and designated hitter to find at-bats. Neither were really going to play outfield to begin with, and compared to the the duo of Marisnick and Rasmus, Gardner shines above them. The platoon posted a combined WAR of 0.6, Gardner will come in with a 1.8 WAR. It may be the hardest of the five trades to get done, but it may be the best fit for Gardner.

Next: 4. Los Angeles Dodgers

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