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3 positions the Padres need to upgrade by the trade deadline

By Rylie Smith

May 20, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Jurickson Profar (10) talks to second base umpire Ted Barrett (65) after baseballs were thrown onto the field during the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
May 20, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Jurickson Profar (10) talks to second base umpire Ted Barrett (65) after baseballs were thrown onto the field during the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Diego Padres have had an inconsistent season with multiple sluggers joining the injured list and a lack of offensive power. Seemingly, the Padres are anticipating changes approaching the trade deadline.

Some positions are bringing power into the lineup, whereas others are not. The Padres don’t need much help at third base or shortstop with Manny Machado and Fernando Tatís Jr, anticipating a return soon for Tatís. However, the power drops off quite a bit elsewhere.

San Diego would benefit most if these positions are upgraded by the trade deadline this season.

San Diego Padres outfield

The Padres, overall, lack power in the outfield. They have good talent with Jurickson Profar leading the position, but more can be done to develop where they lack.

Profar doesn’t hit with much power, but he does have a great eye. He currently has the lowest strikeout rate (14.5 percent) and highest walk rate (12.8 percent) on the team. He’s hitting .244/.345/.399 with an isolated power of .156.

The Padres seem to be focusing heavily on improving the outfield. Trade rumors of Andrew Benintendi and Bryan Reynolds have surfaced from East Village Times, both of which would be good options.

Between the two, Reynolds would be the ideal option but Benintendi may be a slightly more realistic one.

Reynolds is a great power hitter. He’s hitting .260/.333/.469 with an isolated power of .209 this season. However, he doesn’t have great strikeout or walk rates. He’s one of the best hitters currently on the Pittsburgh Pirates and is involved in trade talk among multiple other teams.

Benintendi, on the other hand, doesn’t offer much power but is similar to Profar with a great eye. He’s hitting .316/.387/.404 with an isolated power of .088 this season. He has a low strikeout rate (13.7 percent) and a good walk rate (10.4 percent). He’d help enhance the lineup.

Benintendi doesn’t seem to have as many eyes on him for the upcoming trade, and San Diego has shown interest for quite a while.

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