Philadelphia Phillies Trade Rumors: Marlon Byrd a popular target

Jul 1, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Marlon Byrd (3) scores a run during the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Sources tell Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal the Philadelphia Phillies have suitors for one of their aging players.

While Marlon Byrd isn’t quite a franchise name compared to Jimmy Rollins or Chase Utley he is 37 and the Phillies could get younger should they trade him.  The club would miss out on some of his production next season, though it doesn’t appear to be in play for a spot in the 2015 postseason.  The outfielder drove in 85 runs for the Phillies in 2014 with 25 home runs.

This isn’t the first time Byrd has been rumored to bring interest from other clubs.  There were rumors that teams like the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners were interested in him around the Trade Deadline, but nothing fell through that sparked a return of enough quality for the Phillies’ front office.

Byrd is owed $8 million next season with a vesting option for the same amount in 2016.  The option for 2016 vests if Byrd totals 1100 plate appearances between 2014 and 2015 or if he simply totals 600 in 2015.  The 37-year-0ld played in 154 games last season and had 637 plate appearances, making it likely the option will vest if he is healthy next season.  Should the option not vest, it will become a team option.

Originally drafted by the Phillies in the 10th round of the 1999 amateur draft, Byrd has played with six other teams.