San Diego Padres: 3 options who could be a big boost at first base

If there is a position where the San Diego Padres could improve in the last hours before the MLB trade deadline, it's at first base. Here are some options.

Josh Naylor of the Cleveland Guardians
Josh Naylor of the Cleveland Guardians | Ron Schwane/GettyImages
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Chicago White Sox first baseman Andrew Vaughn
Chicago White Sox first baseman Andrew Vaughn | Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Vaughn, Chicago White Sox

Though far less scintillating than Naylor, Andrew Vaughn would be a much cheaper option still capable of filling the need. The 25-year-old is batting .247 while on course for career highs in home runs (13) and RBI (58) in his third season in the majors, all on the south side of Chicago. Vaughn has hit .333 over the past week and is riding a six-game hitting streak heading into August.

The White Sox have been active over the past handful of days having already traded Lucas Giolito, Joe Kelly, Reynaldo Lopez and Lance Lynn with rumors swirling around a potential Dylan Cease move. Vaughn's been in a bit of a crowded house at first base in Chicago as manager Pedro Grifol has been platooning Vaughn with Yasmani Grandal and Gavin Sheets. Vaughn is on a $760,000 one year contract and becomes eligible for arbitration next March. Vaughn is a guy who could probably fetch a third-tier prospect in return. Again, he's not batting .308 like Naylor but he's also not batting .216.

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