San Diego Padres: A Couple of Other Free-Agent Options

The San Diego Padres could use a solid utility guy as a backup to Freddy Galvis. A capable backup shortstop or another starting pitcher would add another dimension to this team as they hope to compete in what should be a tough division.

As the Eric Hosmer saga continues, the San Diego Padres need to move forward with the rest of their plans leading up to Opening Day. One of the areas that Friars GM A.J. Preller has been looking to make is to add a backup shortstop.

Allen Cordoba is next in line on the Padres’ depth chart after the newly-acquired Freddy Galvis. Cordoba was uninjured in an automobile accident just a week before spring training workouts were scheduled to begin.

Add that drama to the fact that Cordoba is still very young and extremely raw, skills-wise, adding a veteran backup, even in a temporary role until Cordoba is ready for primetime, would be a smart move and make for an easy transition when that time does come.

Who would be the smart addition for the San Diego Padres?

Although there are more than a handful of free agents still available, the San Diego Padres likely aren’t looking to make a huge splash (short of a potential Hosmer deal). They’d probably just want to shore up any deficiencies and tie up any-and-all loose ends before the season gets underway.

Even if Hosmer does decide to bring his talents to South Mission Beach, the Friars would still likely be in the market to make another addition or two. We’ve heard the rumors of talks between the Padres and the Tampa Bay Rays regarding the Rays’ starting pitchers.

If they were to come to an agreement, it could be huge for the Padres. But if nothing transpires and the Pads were still looking to add a starting pitcher, a decent option could be Chris Tillman. Over his last few years in Baltimore, he’s been a solid, back-end of the rotation guy.

If the Friars were to bring Tillman on board, it could work out well while they wait for Colin Rea to get healthy. They would likely have the entire group of Tyson Ross, Jordan Lyles, Matt Strahm, Robbie Erlin, and Tillman compete for the last two rotation spots.

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How about an old friend as an insurance plan for the San Diego Padres?

Veteran journeyman Erick Aybar, now 34, is still a free agent and would be an extremely cheap option for the San Diego Padres to explore as a backup to Freddy Galvis.

Although he’s certainly not the player he once was, he’s very familiar with this specific group of young players.

Having Aybar as a viable backup to both Galvis and second-baseman Carlos Asuaje could greatly benefit the Padres young prospects.

If they are subjected to the harsh realities of MLB without being properly prepared, it could permanently stunt their developments.

For the veteran-minimum, bringing in Erick Aybar to spell the Padres’ middle-infielders and provide some leadership in the locker room would be a nice little wrinkle to add to a young Friars roster.

Next: Chase Headley Could Play A Vital Role

Even if Hosmer does come onboard, either Chris Tillman or Erick Aybar would fit the bill as a low-cost option for the San Diego Padres. Maybe they’d only be bridging a gap or filling a spot until the next prospect is ready, but they could turn out to be a lot more.

Editor’s Note: Our apologies for including Howie Kendrick in the previous version of this article. His signing with the Nationals flew right under our radar. Again, our apologies.