San Diego Padres Rumors: Possible Destinations for Solarte

Sep 30, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Yangervis Solarte (26) reacts after grounding out to the catcher in the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Yangervis Solarte (26) reacts after grounding out to the catcher in the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

There has been a lot of discussion lately about Yangervis Solarte. Who are some possible trade partners for the San Diego Padres as the winter meetings get more interesting?

The San Diego Padres have a lot of work to do this winter. With the winter meetings now underway, it is time to get busy. Pitching is the primary need, but the team will be willing to do anything they can to make the roster better for 2017.

Rumors about a trade involving Yangervis Solarte are not new. However, now that December has come, these rumors are beginning to heat up. The latest reports indicate that the Padres are in discussions with different teams regarding the 29-year-old third baseman.

MLB Trade Rumors has reported that the Los Angeles Angels are talking to the Padres about Solarte. Due to their needs in the infield, the native of Venezuela is a possible fit.

San Diego General manager A.J. Preller has been very vague concerning Solarte, which is another indication that a trade is in the works. Plus, with the Padres’ depth on the infield, as well as their clear desire to remove any player not in it for the long haul, a deal like this could also be attractive to San Diego.

Other possible trade partners

But it isn’t just the Angels who could end up being the Padres’ trade partners in this one. The Texas Rangers could also use infield depth, and are too expected to make a lot of moves during the winter meetings.

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While no rumors are confirmed, the Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants are other teams which could be linked to a player like Solarte. With needs on the infield, particularly at the hot corner, as well as pitching to spare in the minors, these are perfect trade partners.

It will still be difficult to come to terms with one of these clubs, which is why these deals take so long to work out. But the fact that the Padres are so aggressively pursuing a trade partner for Solarte is a sign that they are serious. No matter what they get in return, Preller and the Padres seem positive that they won’t need Solarte come 2017.

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The most likely explanation for this sentiment would be a Ryan Schimpf move to third. However, that’s another discussion for another time, one closer to spring training. For now, it looks as if the Padres are going to end up moving 2016’s every day third baseman, which would be a significant move with significant impacts on the organization.