3 San Diego Padres trade rumors to squelch before they gain any traction

It is the middle of June and the San Diego Padres trade rumors are likely getting ready to furiously fly very soon. With that in mind, it's time to separate what could happen versus those rumors that will likely be floated out there but never will really be a reality.

So which Padres trade rumors are ones that Padres fans shouldn't put much weight into? Here are three that we believe should be squelched before they gain any traction.

San Diego Padres trade rumor to squash: Paul Goldschmidt

Absolutely, the St. Louis Cardinals are in a freefall, having lost five games in a row and owning the worst record in the National League. There are also plenty of rumors already swirling about the Cardinals potentially trading reigning National League MVP Paul Goldschmidt, but would San Diego really be a spot that could legitimately take on the cost it will take to acquire him, as well as the $26 million he is on the books to be paid for next season? The answer is very likely no.

In a perfect world, Goldschmidt could be slotted in as the team's designated hitter and also play some first base. However, the price tag in what will be expected from the Cardinals in return for Goldschmidt (even if the team decides to trade him) will be far and above what the Padres would be willing to pay.

Are there other Cardinals that might be of interest to the Padres. Oh absolultely, and here's who we think they are.

San Diego Padres trade rumor to squash: Marcus Stroman

Like the Cardinals, it seems very likely that the Chicago Cubs are going to miss the postseason in 2023 and could well find themselves as sellers at the MLB trade deadline. One of the biggest assets for the Cubs is starting pitcher Marcus Stroman, who is coming to end of his two-year, $50 million deal with Chicago.

Stroman has already said publicly that the Cubs are "not interested in exploring" a contract extension, meaning Chicago could well be setting up to try to trade Stroman and get a decent return for his services.

The 32-year-old right-hander has been pitching like an All-Star this season, racking up eight wins in 15 starts and posting a National League-leading 2.45 ERA. His ERA+ of 183 leads the National League as well, and he certainly showed his talents to Padres fans on June 4 when he allowed one unearned run and four hits over 6.0 innings in a Chicago win at Petco Park.

Again, much like Goldschmidt, should the Cubs decide to trade Stroman, there will be a bidding war for his services and San Diego may not want to part with the draft capital it would take to bring him to southern California. Stroman would certainly be a good fit for any team needing starting pitching, but it likely won't be San Diego that lands him at the MLB trade deadline.