Padres could be clearing the way for another move after surprising release

Minor league transactions usually come and go without demanding much attention. However, the Padres’ decision to release Nick Schnell feels a little more interesting than that. They released the 26-year-old outfielder from Triple-A El Paso on July 15, right in the middle of the All-Star break. Schnell had spent the entire season with the Chihuahuas after signing a minor league contract with the Padres during the offseason. 

Schnell slashed .239/.320/.479 with 12 home runs over 59 games, but his overall production amounted to an 85 wRC+. The timing of his release certainly gives us something to watch.

Nick Schnell release may signal more Padres roster movement in El Paso

The Padres didn’t need to release Schnell during the break unless they had reached a firm conclusion about his place in the organization. They could’ve continued carrying him as experienced Triple-A depth. Instead, they opened another spot on El Paso’s roster before the second half began.

However, many minor league vets have an opt-out clause in their contracts. It allows them to request their release to become free agents if they aren’t added to the 40-man by a certain date. 

Schnell has yet to appear in a major league game despite being drafted out of high school by the Tampa Bay Rays and spending eight seasons at every level of the minors. At 26, he was no longer producing at a level that made him an obvious promotion candidate. Sometimes a release is simply a release.

The Friars are also entering the part of the calendar when rosters begin changing quickly. The trade deadline is approaching. Newly drafted players will begin entering the organization. More prospects could be promoted, minor league free agents can be added and major league transactions often push other players down the depth chart.

Clearing Schnell out now gives the Padres one less decision to make later. It’s especially notable for an organization still trying to sort through a thin collection of upper-level position players. Schnell had shown enough power to remain interesting, and he was one of El Paso’s more productive hitters earlier in the season. By the middle of July, that apparently was no longer enough to guarantee him playing time. 

For now, we should keep an eye on El Paso. The Padres may have cleared the board because they already know what piece they want to move next.

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