It’s Time To Trade Carlos Quentin

Jun 18, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Carlos Quentin (18) at bat against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Padres’ transition has begun with the changing of the general manager. Even though they have a three-headed management system right now, the changing of players has to begin sooner, rather than later. There’s plenty of players who could be on the move, but one of them has to be outfielder Carlos Quentin.

Quentin is due $8 million next season, in the final year of the three-year extension he signed during the 2012 season. He also has a $10 million option for 2016. That’s not a terrible contract for a player of Quentin’s ability when healthy. The problem is, that never happens.

Over the past three seasons, he’s played in a combined 200 games. Considering each season is 162 games, that’s a ton of time missed. Because of all the  missed time, his value is quite low, so the Padres will have to send him away and get, let’s say 60 cents on the dollar return for him.

Quentin this year, is hitting just .179 with three homers and 10 RBI in just 32 games. A big problem with the Padres is that all the guys who they were going to count on like Quentin, Chase Headley and Cameron Maybin, given extensions, didn’t stay healthy.

It’s time to reshape the Padres. Make them a team built on power pitching and guys with a ton of speed to use in big Petco Park. You don’t need a bunch of power hitters, just guys with speed and pop. Even though you may not be able to get that much for Quentin, it’s time to send him packing.