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

Zack Greinke, RH Starting Pitcher

It is a tradition like no other. Starting pitching will be at a premium before the trade deadline. The Friars could look to strengthen the backend of their rotation for the stretch run. Zack Greinke (1-6 with a 4.65 ERA) might be past his prime as a peak performer on the mound, but he will still be a hot commodity on the trade market.

However, Greinke has failed to show the ability to miss bats consistently, as his fastball averages 89.5 MPH. The results have been a career-high (41%) hard-hit ball rate. The 39-year-old’s strikeout rate is 18.5%, which is near the bottom of starting pitching rankings.

The positives to trade for Greinke include he induces 42.1 % ground ball outs and keeps the ball inside the park (4.1% HR percentage). And he is very durable as Grienke averages 33 starts per season for his 20-year career. 

But questions remain if Greinke can be effective coming out of the pen come October. Without much velocity, he will not miss many bats. Thus, the odds are low for him to become a dependable middle-relief option in the playoffs. The Padres may look to acquire a starting pitcher who can adapt to a swing role out of the pen. Granted, the Friars internal options have not blossomed into quality longman relievers. 

There is a solution, but it is not Greinke.