The San Diego Padres made waves over the offseason when they acquired a handful of All-Star level players like Craig Kimbrel, Matt Kemp and Justin Upton. But competing with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants in the National League West isn’t exactly easy, something they’ve come to find out as they currently sit in fourth place.
That lead the Padres to fire manager Bud Black and it appears Justin Upton could be next on the chopping block. That’s because there are rumors suggesting the Padres may trade Justin Upton before the MLB deadline if things do not improve.
“The Padres will be fascinating to watch at the deadline. Second base as well as shortstop is a problem, and the team holds the option of moving left fielder Justin Upton, a potential free agent who is 11th in the NL with a .913 OPS,” writes FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.
Upton doesn’t come without his warts, but if the Padres aren’t in the National League West race it makes plenty of sense for them to cut ties with his value likely at its height.
It will also clear out a bit of a log jam in the outfield while returning what are likely to be at minimum solid prospects. As to who is interested, that remains to be seen.
