2011 MLB Trade Rumors: Padres “Will be Active”

Sources are telling Ken Rosenthol of Fox Sports that San Diego Padres general manager Josh Byrnes “is willing to talk about every player on his roster”.  We’ve heard for some time now that the Padres have been talking with teams about their veteran players, but Rosenthol now hears that San Diego is willing to listen on everyone, including top young starter Mat Latos.  While he isn’t sure where discussions might lead, Rosenthol says that it seems certain that the Padres “will be active” in the near future.

Last week it was reported that the Padres were not in fact shopping Latos this winter.  While that might be the case, sources tell Rosenthol that Byrnes is at least willing to take calls on his top starting pitcher.  Rosenthol doesn’t believe it likely that a deal gets done, but he says the Padres could look to increase their organizational depth by moving Latos.

The 24-year-old is still inexpensive, not reaching arbitration until 2013, and has been solid for the Padres over the past two seasons.  After maintaining a 2.92 ERA and WHIP of 1.083 over his 184 2/3 innings in 2010, Latos produced an ERA and WHIP of 3.47 and 1.184 last season.  During his major league career the right-hander has an ERA of 3.37 along with his SO/9 of 8.7 and BB/9 of 2.8.

Rosenthol believes it more likely that the Padres trade one of their veteran players; Chase Headley, Jason Bartlett and Orlando Hudson.  All three have drawn interest this offseason, but Rosenthol sees Headley as the most likely of the bunch to be traded.

The 27-year-old hit .289/.374/.399 last season as the Padres starting third baseman.  Rosenthol notes that Headley is more available because San Diego has third base prospect Jedd Gyorko waiting in the wings.

Gyorko posted an OPS of .952 between Single and Double-A last season and had a strong showing in the 2011 Arizona Fall League.  This coupled with the fact that the Padres could receive a nice package of players in exchange for Headley likely mean that his days with San Diego are numbered.

The Orioles, Reds, Tigers and Rockies have all been tied to Headley this offseason.  At the moment, the Padres are apparently asking for “the moon” in return for Headley.  They may have to lower their asking price a bit, but it looks like he’s a prime candidate to be moved this winter.

For more on the Padres, be sure to check out Chicken Friars.