Padres Rumors: Pirates Interested in Barmes

With the trade deadline just 10 days away, rumors of the big name San Diego Padres being dealt are flying. Even more likely though, would be a small deal sending veteran infielder Clint Barmes back to Pittsburgh.

Barmes was acquired this off season to serve as a platoon shortstop and defensive specialist, and he has done just that. His .284/.324/.440 slash line makes him one of the only Padres in 2015 that has exceeded offensive expectations.

Despite being one of the lone bright spots for the Padres, dealing Barmes makes sense. Veteran defensive specialists just aren’t of much use to teams out of playoff contention. Better to trade off Barmes now while he holds some value rather than let him slip away in the off season for nothing.

The Padres should plan on going a different direction at shortstop in 2016. It would be a surprise if any of the looming trades did not include a 2016 ready shortstop in return.

Barmes is still highly regarded by the Pirates, and with injuries to Josh Harrison and Jordy Mercer, they are in desperate need to find a competent replacement for their playoff push. AJ Preller could probably pick a nice prospect from Pittsburgh in exchange for Barmes.

With all the given information and present Padre position, I fully expect Barmes to be dealt in the coming days, and would be surprised if it was not to Pittsburgh. Where do you see Clint Barmes going if anywhere?

Padres Rumors: Pirates Interested in Barmes

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