Carlos Quentin Open To Remove No-Trade Clause

Jun 16, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; San Diego Padres designated hitter

(18) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

With the Padres season pretty much coming to an end as they fall farther and farther back in the standings, the team will most likely look to reduce payroll and move certain players before the trading deadline.  It is being reported by Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com that outfielder Carlos Quentin is open to waiving his no-trade clause if the right opportunity presented itself to him. According to Heyman,

“While he wouldn’t necessarily approve just any AL team that may call, sources say he would be amenable to considering trades and open to approving at least some teams that may call. In other words, he wouldn’t force the Padres to keep him.

The Padres rank dead last in almost every offensive category, so it will be interesting to see which AL teams will show interest in Quentin. He signed a three-year extension with the Padres’ worth $27 million in 2012 and has been plagued with injuries over the last couple of years.

Since returning from the DL back in May from a knee injury, Quentin is batting a horrendous .197 with three homers and eight RBI. He is set to make $9.5 million this year and $8 million with an option for $10 million in 2016. It could be a challenge for the Padres’ to find possible suitors for Quentin due to his terrible performance this year and size of his contract.

There are a small number of teams that might spark some interest and need a DH. The Texas Rangers are sitting nine games back from the division leading Oakland A’s, and are a team that can take on his contract. Arlington is definitely a hitter’s ball park and might a place where Quentin feels he could resurrect his career.

In addition to the Rangers, it would not be shocking to see Quentin back in Chicago with the White Sox. Chicago is sitting only 4.5 games back from the Kansas City Royals and they have a legitimate shot of winning the division with ace Chris Sale and phenom Jose Abreu.

The Padres’ front office has already expressed their displeasure with the clubs offensive woes this year, and Quentin’s contract and no-trade clause is a significant problem. If there is a suitor and Quentin agrees, look for the team to jump on it immediately.