Top Five Padres Free Agent Options Countdown

Number 3: Melky Cabrera- Outfielder

Aug 31, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Melky Cabrera (53) hits a home run in sixth inning against New York Yankees at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

Age: 30; Bats/Throws: Both/Left; 2014 Numbers: .301 batting average, 16 HR, 73 RBI

After being suspended for steroid use during the 2012 season with the Giants few knew what to expect from Melky Cabrera when he signed a two year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. But the corner outfielder hit to the tune of .293 average, crushed 19 homers and drove in 103 runs in his two years with the Jays.

He’s not a home run hitter but instead takes more of a slap approach, lining balls into the gap and being a true table setter. He often batted as the lead off hitter or in the number two hole.

As a defender he is a above average and mans the corner spots extremely well. Over his ten year career he’s played for the Yankees, Braves, Royals and of course the Giants and Blue Jays. The Blue Jays are going to extend him a qualifying offer and try to renegotiate a contract but I see a real fit the Padres. They’re in desperate need of a corner outfield and a table setter to bat near the top of the lineup. Cabrera could be that guy.

He has surprising range for his small stature and big build and that would come in handy within the large dimensions of PETCO Park. Melky has put the steroid scandal behind him and his two productive years with our neighbors to the north have earned him a decent enough contract. It could very well be with the Padres.