Second Baseman
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Fielding a second baseman has been a sore spot for the San Diego Padres far too long. Preller may need to find a team that matches the Padres needs and the perfect trade partner could be the Seattle Mariners. They have an excess of middle infielders and Dee Gordon is the logical trade candidate because he’s owed $13.5 million for next season with a $1 million buyout for 2021. The Padres want to move Wil Myers (3yrs/$68.5 million) and he becomes an ideal short-term solution for the Mariners’ lack of production from the middle of their order.
The Padres may need to add more financial incentives to the deal by taking on the contract ($33 million owed) of struggling starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi. It would leave the Mariners with only one other player (Kyle Seager) on a guaranteed contract for next season. Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto has previously stated that Kikuchi is a key piece to his rebuilding effort, but this trade gives him the type of contract flexibility to make other necessary moves that improve the roster. Plus, Gordon’s departure opens the second base position for Shed Long, who impressed many with his September play.
Gordon is a perfect addition to the top of the San Diego Padres batting order as his speed is a tremendous asset. Gordon’s main job is to get on base, then into scoring position by either stealing second or taking the extra base on a hit. It’s all about putting pressure on the defense in trying to contain him, which could result in unforced errors and puts a run on the scoreboard for the Padres.
A deal of this nature may involve more moving parts, but the framework is this there for both sides to consummate a deal.