7 reunions that make sense for MLB's 2nd half
When the New York Mets re-acquired Jose Reyes last week, it got us thinking about other (potentially available) players who could help their former teams.
From draft picks returning to the club that selected them, reuniting veteran players with familiar stomping grounds, and giving previous cameos a second look, we put on our MLB matchmaker cap to identify seven reunions we'd love to see happen during this summer's hot stove season.
Carlos Beltran, Royals
Current team: Yankees ($15M salary for 2016)
Previous stint with Royals: 1998-2004
Contract status: 2017 free agent
Why a reunion makes sense: Beltran's in the final months of a three-year deal with New York, and he's already indicated this could be his last season. With the Yankees treading water in the AL East, Beltran's hopes of retiring with a ring are quickly fading. Paulo Orlando is playing well for the defending champion Royals, but they'd be wise to bolster their lineup with a veteran as they prepare to make their push. There are few reunions as tantalizing as Kansas City and Beltran, who didn't fully break out into superstardom until after the Royals traded their 1995 second-round pick to Houston.
Rich Hill, Red Sox
Current team: Athletics ($6M salary for 2016)
Previous stint with Red Sox: 2010-2012, 2015
Contract status: 2017 free agent
Why a reunion makes sense: Third time's a charm, right? Hill's second stint with Boston last summer helped him break out into the surprisingly productive lefty he is today, and the Athletics are expected to cash in on that value as the trade season heats up. The floundering Red Sox could sure use Hill's familiar arm in their underwhelming rotation, which owns the majors' fourth-worst ERA (4.90) in June.
Andrew Miller, Marlins
Current team: Yankees ($9M salary for 2016)
Previous stint with Marlins: 2008-2010
Contract status: $18 million through 2018
Why a reunion makes sense: The Marlins are reportedly interested in acquiring a big-name reliever this summer, though the only names they've been linked to so far (Aroldis Chapman and Fernando Rodney) are free agents at the end of the season. Of course, it remains unclear whether the unpredictable Marlins would be interested in absorbing Miller's reasonable contract, even as they continue to surprise in the National League playoff race. One of the centerpieces in the infamous Miguel Cabrera blockbuster trade, Miller's three seasons in Miami were unforgettable (5.89 ERA). A midseason trade back to the Marlins, however, would most certainly be one to remember.
Danny Valencia, Orioles
Current team: Athletics ($3.15M salary for 2016)
Previous stint with Orioles: 2013
Contract status: Arbitration-eligible
Why a reunion makes sense: Valencia's one of those players where any destination makes a whole lot of sense. The Athletics third baseman continues to be useful around the diamond and is still mashing lefties (1.192 OPS this season), making him an ideal fit for a club that hits righties (.821 OPS) better than southpaws (.741), and would probably prefer to have a bat off the bench to spell either Hyun Soo Kim or Pedro Alvarez in left or at DH.
Mark Buehrle, White Sox (or Blue Jays)
Current team: Free agent
Previous stint with White Sox: 2000-2011
Previous stint with Blue Jays: 2014-2015
Contract status: 2017 free agent
Why a reunion makes sense: The 37-year-old lefty remains unsigned, but there's been recent smoke signals he's mulling a return to either Chicago or Toronto. The White Sox are probably the better fit given their ragtag rotation and Chris Sale's recruiting pitch, though he could also find a vacancy in the Blue Jays' starting five should the club move Aaron Sanchez to the bullpen.
Mark Teixeira, Rangers
Current team: Yankees ($23.125M salary for 2016)
Previous stint with Rangers: 2003-2007
Contract status: 2017 free agent
Why a reunion makes sense: Teixeira quickly established himself as a superstar after Texas made him the fifth pick in the 2001 draft, though the Rangers would be content to receive even half the player he was during his resurgent season from a year ago. The Rangers could use a first base/DH option who can hit lefties (even if Teixeira isn't quite as effective from the right side anymore), and his expiring deal means his price tag and acquisition cost shouldn't be much of a roadblock.
Arodys Vizcaino, Cubs
Current team: Braves ($897,500 salary for 2016)
Previous stint with Cubs: 2014
Contract status: Arbitration-eligible
Why a reunion makes sense: This reconciliation might be making liberal use of the word "reunion," but what better way to show you've arrived than returning to the team that traded you after just five relief appearances. The hard-throwing right-hander is enjoying a breakout season for Atlanta, where his 12.4 K/9 appears destined to rot away on a team going nowhere this season. The Cubs, meanwhile, are almost assuredly playing baseball in October, and even though they reportedly covet a lefty more, playoff teams can never have enough bullpen arms.