San Francisco Giants dark horse trade deadline options

4 of 5

Jun 5, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

1B Ryan Howard

Yes, another veteran who has been quiet among trade rumors: Ryan Howard.

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Without a doubt, Howard’s best days are behind him as he just turned 35, but he has quietly put up a solid season out in the City of Brotherly Love. Howard has totaled 18 home runs and 53 RBIs as the Philly first baseman this year. He has also been relatively healthy all of last year and this year, which is surprising after missing almost half of each of the previous two seasons (2012-2013) because of a torn achilles tendon.

Would the Phillies be willing to trade him? Absolutely. They are already trying to unload by trading Cole Hamels and Chase Utley, but GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. cannot seem to move on from his 2009 World Series core.

Howard would provide the Giants with a scary bat off the bench, and be the number one option for DH and pinch-hitting duties. Once again, his contract would be the biggest battle as paying $25 million for a 36-year-old part-time player is much too costly. But if Bobby Evans can work Amaro Jr. to eat some of that contract, Howard could be a fit.

Next: Emilio Bonifacio