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Padres rumors: Padres may try to trade for 2 Chicago Cubs players

By Rylie Smith

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 22: Ian Happ #8 of the Chicago Cubs in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on July 22, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 22: Ian Happ #8 of the Chicago Cubs in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on July 22, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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The San Diego Padres have been consistently connected to trade rumors involving Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras. They’re reportedly attempting to acquire Ian Happ as well, according to The Athletic (subscription required).

"“According to sources, the Padres have discussed the idea of adding both of the Cubs’ All-Stars — catcher Willson Contreras and outfielder Ian Happ — to their lineup.” -Dennis Lin, via The Athletic"

Both Contreras and Happ would add power to the San Diego lineup in necessary areas.

A Padres trade for Ian Happ and Willson Conreras fixes multiple lineup problems

Contreras is one of the best hitters among all catchers in MLB. He has the best FanGraphs offensive rating (15.5) and second-best wins above replacement (2.7). This season, he’s hitting .258/.372/.471 for an OPS of .843. He also has a high isolated power of .214.

Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove recently played the All-Star Game with Contreras and dropped hints about his potential future in San Diego. Musgrove pitched a scoreless inning with him, proving the two work well together defensively as well.

Current San Diego catchers Jorge Alfaro and Austin Nola don’t offer as much in the lineup. Alfaro is hitting .274/.307/.432 for an OPS of .739. He has poor walk and strikeout percentages (4.5 and 33.7) and WAR of 1.0. He has an offensive rating of 2.2. Nola is hitting .248/.315/.317 for an OPS of .632. He has WAR of -0.1 and an offensive rating of -5.4.

Happ would enhance the outfield. This season, he’s hitting .279/.366/.441 for an OPS of .807 and an isolated power of .162. He also has WAR of 2.2 and an offensive rating of 11.4.

He’d play well alongside the Padres best outfielder, Jurickson Profar, who is hitting .238/.339/.386 for an OPS of .725. He has good WAR of 2.0 and an offensive rating of 5.5. He has great walk and strikeout percentages (12.7 and 14.7).

Trending. Padres rumors we're watching for the trade deadline. light

The Padres may not be a top-five system overall, but they do have a few prospects the Cubs could pursue in a trade.

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