Padres Possible Trade Targets

The trade deadline is fast approaching, and the Padres are one of the teams that figure to sell. Carlos Quentin, Chase Headley and Huston Street figure to generate the most interest on the trade market. According to reports, as many as six teams have had interest in Headley, and the Padres asking price is astronomical, according to the rumor mill.

If the Padres are to trade any of these three players, the Padres must get young, controllable talent, that is close to being big-league ready. The Padres do not need to stockpile young talent in the low-levels of the minors. Here are a few players I researched that the Padres should target in trades.

OF Starling Marte, Pittsburgh Pirates: Marte is one of the Pirates top prospects, and was ranked #72 overall by Baseball America, prior to the 2012 season. He is a great athlete, and has a plus arm, and great range. The Padres do not have any big-league ready outfielders in the system, and Marte would be an intriguing option. On the season, Marte has a triple-slash line of .291/.351/.510, with 12 HR’s and 58 RBI’s. He also has 13 triples, and 18 steals.

OF Adam Eaton, Arizona Diamondbacks: No, it is not the former Padre pitcher, you know the one player that once stabbed himself trying to open a DVD. This Adam Eaton is an outfielder that can flat-out hit. He has drawn comparisons to David DeJesus, is having a huge year for Triple-A Reno. He has a triple-slash line of .391/.466/.563, with five homers and 31 RBI’s. He also has smacked 33 doubles and stolen 27 bases. Another intriguing outfield prospect to add to the mix.

SP Zach Lee, Los Angeles Dodgers: Lee is the Dodgers top prospect, and has only pitched a few innings at the Double-A level. Lee features a low-90’s fastball and a plus curve. He has a good frame for a pitcher, at 6’4, 190 lbs. He could give the Padres another top-shelf pitching prospect at San Antonio.

SP Jeff Locke, Pittsburgh Pirates: A good young arm, who is close to being big-league ready. He has put a 2.95 ERA in 17 starts for AAA-Indianapolis. He is considered more of a finesse left-hand pitcher, but could give the Padres some innings in 2012, as the minor league pitching has been ravaged by injuries.

SP Dylan Bundy, Baltimore Orioles: Perhaps this a pipe dream on my part, as it seems like the Orioles would be unlikely to part with the young fireballer. He was ranked as the #10 prospect in baseball, prior to the 2012 season by Baseball America. He can touch the high 90’s with his fastball, and projects as a #1 starter. Again, it seems unlikely that the O’s will deal him.

Are there any other prospects that interest Padre fans? Make sure to discuss it in the comments!