Phillies Trade Rumors: Hunter Pence Reportedly Available

The Philadelphia Phillies are apparently ready to move Hunter Pence, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports:

The Phillies continue to signal to clubs that they are eager to move right fielder Hunter Pence, who could earn $13 million to $14 million next season in his final year of arbitration.

Rosenthal adds that, as with Minnesota Twins slugger Josh Willingham, Pence’s value may have been enhanced by the extensions Carlos Quentin and Edwin Encarnacion recently signed with the San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays.

While the lack of impact-bats available on the market could increase the demand for a player such as Pence, Rosenthal says "few teams are willing to assume high salaries and part with significant prospects."

Pence, 29, is hitting .268/.336/.453 with 15 doubles, 17 home runs and 57 RBIs this season. He owns a career OPS of .824.

Pence is making $10.4 million this year, and Rosenthal speculates he could make another $13 or $14 million next year before hitting the free agent market following the 2013 season.