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:

Jul 1, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman

(7) hits an RBI single during the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Chase Headley

Early yesterday morning, Jon Morosi of Fox Sports tweeted out what most of us already knew, that the Toronto Blue Jays are scouting the third baseman heavily and are a possible suitor. Just 3  games out of first place in the A.L. East, Ken Rosenthal believes the team’s most immediate need is a hitter, and Toronto has been hard pressed this year to find offensive production at third base.  Juan Francisco has fell off after a fast start and is batting .230 with a 79:19 K/BB ratio.  Conversely, Headley may just be finding his stroke going 10 for his last 17. Another team that has high regards of Headley are the New York Yankees, according to Jon Heyman, who are just a half-game back of those Blue Jays. Considering Headley’s latest hot streak, interested teams in the same division, and a dying contract, the Padres may act swiftly in moving Headley, for a couple of young bats.

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 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.