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Angels Trade Rumors: Indians, Dodgers, Pirates tied to Vernon Wells

By SB Nation MLB News
May 15, 2012; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Vernon Wells (10) runs to first after hitting a single in the sixth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE
May 15, 2012; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Vernon Wells (10) runs to first after hitting a single in the sixth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

Can the Halos Get a Return on Wells?

If Los Angeles Angels outfielder Vernon Wells waives his no-trade clause, he would become available and a team in need of a right-handed bat, such as the Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Dodgers, or Pittsburgh Pirates, would likely take a chance on him speculates Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. On Wells:

One of the best people in baseball, but his career has never been what it was supposed to be. Even now, if Wells would waive his no-trade clause, he would be available. With the need for right handed-hitting outfielders, some team (Dodgers, Indians, Pirates) would likely take the chance if the Angels picked up the majority of the $53 million remaining on his deal.

Cafardo believes the Angels would be able to trade Wells if they would be willing to eat the majority of his remaining deal. Wells is making $21 million this season and another $21 million in 2013 and ’14.

After posting a line of .273/.331/.515 with 31 home runs, 44 doubles and 88 RBIs as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays, Wells was traded to the Angels with cash in exchange for catcher Mike Napoli and outfielder/first baseman Juan Rivera.

Since joining the Angels, the 33-year-old has only hit .223/.255/.414. This season Wells has an OPS of .704 with 12 extra-base hits and 12 RBIs over 135 at-bats.

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