San Diego Padres rumors: Why you can scratch Salvador Perez off your trade deadline wish list

If you are hoping that the San Diego Padres will make an upgrade at catcher at the upcoming MLB trade deadline, you can reportedly cross Salvador Perez off your potential wish list.

San Diego Padres rumors: This upgrade at catcher likely isn't happening

According to FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray in this article, the Kansas City Royals have "no intention of trading" Perez, according to general manager JJ Picollo. The 33-year-old catcher is in the middle of a four-year, $82 million deal and is still seen as a key piece for the Royals as they continue to hope young players such as Bobby Witt Jr., MJ Melendez and Vinnie Pasquantino will help turn around the franchise's fortunes.

Perez had been linked to the Padres in a few trade scenarios earlier this month, but it appears that the rumors of him leaving Kansas City are just that. That, however, may not matter as much to the Padres as it did in recent weeks when the team was looking for answers to boost production behind the plate. While Gary Sanchez has cooled off in recent games, he is still an upgrade over what the Padres had to begin the season. Additionally, Luis Campusano is working his way back from a thumb injury and could rejoin the team in the coming days. Campusano was slashing just 238/.227/.429 in 22 plate appearances before his injury.

Could a Campusano/Sanchez tandem be enough to push the Padres into the postseason? And what will the Padres do with Austin Nola, who is slashing just .143/.260/.190 in 150 plate appearances this season? Could San Diego follow the same path with the 33-year-old Nola that the franchise did with the recently designated for assignment Nelson Cruz, who was also struggling to make an impact at the plate?

The Padres will likely make improvements on the other side of the battery (pitching) than behind the plate, especially with Perez reportedly off the market.