Should the LA Angels Trade for Dee Gordon?

MIAMI, FL - JUNE 13: Dee Gordon
MIAMI, FL - JUNE 13: Dee Gordon

The LA Angels have had a glaring hole at second base ever since they traded Howie Kendrick to the Dodgers for Andrew Heaney. Heaney was traded to the Dodgers for second baseman Dee Gordon, who is garnering interest for a possible LA return.

The LA Angels have had the worst second base group in the MLB this season. Danny Espinosa and Cliff Pennington have both been average on defense but have both had nonexistent offensive numbers.

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While Espinosa has six big flies, he is hitting at a .162 clip with more than two times as many strikeouts (91) as he has hits (37). Pennington is a career backup, with only 108 at-bats on the year.

Dee Gordon would be an automatic upgrade over them both. He possesses elite speed, with 32 on the year and 64 as his career high. He is hitting .295 with 18 extra base hits, with 16 walks and 49 strikeouts. In 2016, Gordon was suspended for 80 by the MLB after breaking their performance-enhancing drugs policy. However, Gordon does claim he unknowingly took the violating drugs.

Gordon has garnered interest from a few teams. The Halos, Toronto Blue Jays, and Kansas City Royals have “at least mentioned” Gordon in trade talks (per ESPN.com). Gordon would not just be a rental though, as he has a contract that lasts for three more seasons. Whichever team lands the All-Star second baseman will receive a more than capable leadoff man, a solid defensive second baseman, and a base stealing wizard.

Despite his suspension, Gordon, 29, could net the Marlins a solid package of prospects. While the Halos would not have to deal any of their top prospects, a package of starting pitcher Parker Bridwell and shortstop Nonie Williams could land them Gordon.

While these are just rumors at the moment, the fact that the Halos have checked in on Gordon points out that they believe they are legitimate postseason contenders. This trade deadline will be interesting for Halo fans, as the team could realistically buy, sell, or stand pat.