San Diego Padres trade targets from the AL Central

Royals

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I feel the need to start off this section by defending Luis Urias because I do love him and think he can be a good Major League player.

Having said that, if there is a chance that the Padres can get Whit Merrifield from the Royals they have to take it — even if that means giving up Urias in the deal.

Of course, it’s not like Merrifield has to replace Urias at second, the Royals utility player has plenty of experience in the outfield as well. But his natural position is second base.

Either way, I love Merrifield and would love to see the Padres go after him.

This past season he hit .302 with 105 runs scored, 41 doubles, 10 triples, 16 home runs, 74 RBI, 20 stolen bases, a .348 OBP, and .811 OPS.

Yeah, I’ll take that type of production.

And it’s not like 2019 was a fluke season, he’s been putting up similar numbers for three straight seasons now.

The soon-to-be 31-year-old is under team control for at least three more seasons for a total of $14.5 million. And he has a team option for 2023 of $10.5 million.

I don’t know for sure that the Royals are looking to move him, but if they are, I hope the Padres are first in line.

If the Royals can’t work out a contract extension with Jorge Soler this offseason then he could be another trade target as well.

There aren’t many trade targets for the Padres from the AL Central, but there are some big names to consider. Let us know in the comments who intrigues you the most.