Is It Jonathan Galvez’s Time In San Diego?

Will infielder Jonathan Galvez take over once Chase Headley is dealt? Mandatory Credit: MiLB.com

For a player that is listed at 6’2″, 200 lbs, and has yet to get a chance to play in the big leagues, he becomes an intriguing topic. Jonathan Galvez according to Baseball-Reference.com, is listed as a second baseman, a shortstop, and a left fielder. Here’s the thing, the San Diego Padres have Jedd Gyorko, Everth Cabrera, and a combination of Carlos Quentin, and Seth Smith. Here’s another fact, Chase Headley will be dealt by the July 31st non-waiver trading deadline. This is where Galvez comes into the picture.

While he has plenty of infield experience, is he ready at 23-years-old to take over the hot corner when Headley is dealt? How’s he been doing at Triple-A El Paso you might ask? In 165 plate appearances so far, he’s hitting .303, with 7 home runs, 25 runs driven in, is slugging .497, and has an OPS of .867. Sure, he’s struck out 37 times, but the rest of his numbers are impressive. If Jace Peterson can be shuttled through the Friars farm system, why not give someone who has played at the upper levels of that same system a shot to prove himself at the big league level? 17 of Galvez’s 50 hits on the season have been of the extra-base variety, so he’s definitely primed to be a run-producer. Then again, anyone that can hit their body weight should be getting a looksy in San Diego.

The Padres most likely won’t be getting what they had hoped for from a player of Headley’s caliber, but with time spent on the disabled list with a strained calf, and now with a herniated disc, the return will be minimal for a player who will hit the open market this winter. The New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly the most interested in acquiring Headley, which once he’s dealt, should swing the door wide open for a rebuilding franchise vision of the San Diego Padres, and in turn present Jonathan Galvez with a shot to take over third base.