San Diego Padres: 2019 was never our year, so what should we expect?

Someone near and dear might get traded

ESPN has reported that both Hunter Renfroe and Franmil Reyes are available for trades if the right deal comes along. Each has more than 25 home runs on the season, making quite a name for themselves.

In our bold predictions article last week, I also speculated that this duo would combine for more than 100 home runs on the year (hey, they were on pace for 104 at the All-Star break).

While that prediction hasn’t aged well, these two have been integral parts of the Padres’ success thus far, with more than half of the team’s home runs being thanks to Renfroe, Reyes, and Manny Machado. Manny is locked and loaded with San Diego, but both Renfroe’s and Reyes’ production is exactly what makes them such valuable trade pieces.

Offensively, Hunter has had the better bat than Reyes and has been consistent throughout his career, hitting at least 25 home runs three seasons in a row. His 2019 defense has skyrocketed too, with talks of him winning a Golden Glove not as outrageous as they might’ve sounded last year.

He’s 27 years old, though, and Reyes has the potential to reach Renfroe’s level and beyond. Reyes isn’t a stalwart in the field, but if the second-year starter can improve defensively, become more consistent, and swing for base hits in addition to the fences, then watch out. He has an incredibly bright future in the MLB.

Realistically, neither of them would provide a large enough return for an indisputable, bona fide starter on his own, though. They’d need to be packaged with another promising prospect if the Padres want someone truly special, and don’t be surprised if Preller decides to pulls the trigger and ship someone away.

It’ll be tough to let a beloved player go — both are responsible for some incredible moments this season — but it could prove fruitful in the long-term if the right deal comes along.