A couple of weeks ago the San Diego Padres were on a hot streak. Not too many games ago, San Diego was right around first place and now, at the All Star Break, they find themselves 8.5 games back and in last place. In other words, it’s time to sell.
The chances of the Padres making a playoff run were slim going into the regular season, and they held their own longer than expected, but even in a wide open division, climbing four teams, including the defending champs, the highest payroll in the NL and the current division leaders, is simply, too difficult.
So all of that translates to continuing to build a core, which seems to be growing every season. The low budget Padres entered the season with a payroll close to $70 million dollars and by trading players can not only trim that figure, but also help their own future.
Cameron Maybin, Clayton Richard and Kyle Blanks are all hurt, but probably figured to be part of the solution anyway. Everth Cabrera and Jedd Gyorko have the makings of a long-term middle infield. Yadier Alonzo, Nick Hundley and Eric Stults offer cost-controlled value.
Everything else should be available. Here are five players who the Padres should start with when considering trades.
