San Diego Padres Setting Sights High in Brad Hand Trade

Brad Hand may be one of the most sought after relievers at the trade deadline. The San Diego Padres asking price may prove to be prohibitive.

During seemingly every trade deadline, relief pitching proves to be a commodity all its own. Contending teams line up to get that reliever or two that could make the difference in a postseason series. Sometimes, teams will pay an exorbitant price for a reliever, leading to the hauls that the New York Yankees received for Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman.

Given the returns last season, one could understand that the San Diego Padres are asking for a great deal for reliever Brad Hand. A failed starter for the Marlins, Hand has found a home in the Padres bullpen. He led the National League with 82 appearances last year, and made his first All Star Game earlier this month. As such, the Padres want quite a bit for the lefty, to the point where a trade may be unlikely.

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So, in separate trade talks, the Padres have asked for the Dodgers second ranked prospect in Alex Verdugo, and the second ranked prospect in baseball in Gleyber Torres. For a seventh or eighth inning arm. There is something to be said for trying to get the best package possible, but if this is the starting point, it is hard to imagine conversations progressing further.

Yes, Torres did change hands last season, going to the Yankees for Chapman. However, there is a difference between getting one of the top closers in the game, a true difference maker, and a solid setup man. Likewise, the return for Miller, one of the best relievers in baseball regardless of role, cannot compare to realistic expectations for Hand.

It certainly does not hurt to ask for such a large return. Teams that are desperate for a title may be willing to overpay, and the Padres may well get that top prospect they desire. It just seems farfetched that they would get a prospect the likes of Verdugo or Torres for Hand.

Next: The pros and cons of trading for the Phillies

The San Diego Padres are asking for a king’s ransom for Brad Hand. Unless those demands drop, he is likely to remain in San Diego come August.