San Diego Padres’ Trade Rumor Mill

It may be invisible, but there might as well be a for sale sign plastered right out in front of Petco Park. Currently sitting at 40-49, 3^rd place in the N.L. West with a large mountain to climb, it’s no secret that the San Diego Padres will be sellers at this year’s non-waiver trade deadline. In fact, it’s been rumored that every player on the team is on the block besides Andrew Cashner and Jedd Gyorko, along with Seth Smith who just signed a two-year extension. Now that the All-Star break is coming up, trade talks will begin to heat up and the Padres will no doubt execute a few moves to prepare for the future. Let’s look at the latest rumors for some Padres who may be on their way out:

May 25, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher

(56) throws during the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Joaquin Benoit

Ironically, the team that may have the most interest in Benoit, is the team that let him walk after last year, the Detroit Tigers. According to Morosi, the Tigers are interested in the Padres set up man, who continues to show he may in fact be ageless, with an ERA of 1.23 and 18 holds. Relievers are a hot commodity this time of year, and nobody may be more desperate for help than the Tigers, whose offseason acquisition of Joe Nathan, 5.97 ERA and five blown saves, is proving to be a waste. If Detroit wants to make a serious playoff run, they will make a strong push for Benoit, who would immediately be the best reliever in their bullpen. He will however have a high asking price, as he is signed for next year, and is arguably the best reliever on the market behind teammate Huston Street.

Jul 5, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Huston Street (16) pitches during the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Huston Street

We should be able to use the fact that Street was an All-Star this year to bump his trade value, but apparently his 23 saves in 24 opportunities and 1.13 ERA were not good enough to make the team. That being said, Street is having the best season of his career so far, and ESPN’s Jim Bowden thinks that the Orioles, Tigers, Angels, and Reds would all be good fits for him. A closer is a luxury for the Padres, but a necessity for contending teams, so Street has a high chance of being dealt. It would not be surprising to see Street go to the Orioles who are in 1^st place right now in the A.L. East, but have been continually let down by their bullpen, especially Tommy Hunter (4.15 ERA) and Brian Matusz (5.04 ERA).

Jun 18, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder

(13) follows through on a swing during the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Denorfia

A symbol of consistency since he arrived with the Padres in 2010, Denorfia is starting to get some love from other teams. His .276 batting average in five years with San Diego, and according to Tim Britton of the Providence Journal  the Boston Red Sox are showing interest.  It’s no surprise to hear Boston is a suitor with struggles of outfielders Daniel Nava and Jackie Bradley, to go along with the oft-injured Shane Victorino. However, the Red Sox are now 11 games under .500 and 10 games out of first place, so the likelihood of them adding Denorfia would be slim. A team that may be on the radar for Denorfia’s duties is his former club, the Oakland Athletics. The Padres and A’s have been constant trade partners the past few years, and Denorfia’s style of play fits right into what Oakland is all about.

Jun 30, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder

(18) walks out to left field during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Carlos Quentin

There have not been a lot of rumors about specific teams that are wishing to acquire the frequently-injured left fielder, but Heyman reported in June that Quentin would be open to waiving his full no-trade clause. That’s a huge hurdle to overcome, due to the fact there are only 15 teams who will even think about trading for him. Because of his constant health problems, it’s clear that Quentin will need to be a designated hitter somewhere, but his big contract and lengthy time on the disabled list in his time with the Padres will surely detract suitors. Two teams that  come to mind with Quentin are the Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays. The Rangers are buried deep in the A.L. West, but Quentin’s bat combined with the band box in Arlington could be a nice combo. The Rays on the other hand are catching fire, winning 10 of their last 12, and we have seen their front office and Joe Maddon turn trash into treasure. San Diego will most likely have to eat some of Quentin’s contract, and will not receive too much in return, but it’s time to cut ties.

Jun 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Seth Smith (12) during the fifth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Seth Smith

Smith was rumored to be on the radar of many teams after his fast start in his 1^st year with San Diego, but a two-year contract extension awarded to him last Wednesday clearly shows the Padres will be hanging onto him.