3 San Diego Padres trade targets that will hurt rather than help

Wil Myers, RH-Hitting OF/DH

It gives me little pleasure to predict Wil Myers’ triumphant return to San Diego will not benefit either side. The Padres are desperate for production from the designated hitter position in their lineup. Usually, a move of this nature would shake the Friars out of their offensive malaise. But Myers needs to be more selective for him to be productive at the plate.

Instead of re-signing Myers last offseason, Padres general manager A.J. Preller turned to Nelson Cruz and Matt Carpenter as a lefty/righty DH combo. However, neither player has bolstered the lineup, but the addition of Myers does not guarantee an uptick in production either. 

Myers has struggled with the Cincinnati Reds this season. He has batted .189/.257/.283 in 127 at-bats. But the more alarming batting trend is how he has slumped against right-handed pitching in 2023. Currently, Myers is hitting .196 against right-handers, which is considerably lower than his career batting average of .252. Myers current batting numbers with the Reds are nowhere near what he compiled in eight seasons with the Padres.

His biggest trouble has been plate discipline, which has resulted in a 34.0% strikeout rate and a dismal 8.5% walk percentage. Myers has always been an aggressive hitter, but his selectivity has been off this season. The Friars are looking for a quality hitter who can consistently put the ball in play. They may need to sacrifice power to acquire a player with plus contact skills. 

No one can predict what will happen. But if Myers does not improve at the plate, the Padres attempt to reunite with him will end with little fanfare.

Note: Myers was designated for assignment by Cincinnati shortly after this article was published.