San Diego Padres may face quiet trade deadline
It is not a secret that the San Diego Padres would like to upgrade their roster. They have not had much in the way of production in center and right field while their first base and designated hitter spots have disappointed. Add in their need for pitching depth, and the Padres would seemingly on course for an eventful trade deadline.
There are problems with that line of thinking. Specifically, the Padres have $229.4 million in payroll for this season, leaving them just $600,000 shy of the first tier of the luxury tax. That does not leave much room for a team that may be unwilling to reach that threshold.
San Diego Padres may need to shed salary to add players
It is possible that the Padres will need to subtract in order to add to their roster. They have been attempting to trade both Eric Hosmer and Wil Myers, and had even been willing to attach top prospects to both players to be rid of their contracts. However, neither player has done anything to generate interest. Add in Myers’ place on the Injured List, and it seems unlikely that either player will be moved.
The other option would be to move one of their pitchers. However, it would be an odd look to move one of their arms when they could use more depth in both the rotation and bullpen. It is also doubtful that the Padres would be able to get anyone back at a lower salary that would be an improvement.
This leaves the Padres without many options. Unless they get back a player making close to the major league minimum, or make a trade involving a bad contract for a lower bad contract, this may be the team they have. There will be an upgrade coming in Fernando Tatis Jr., but that may be the best they can hope for.
Next. In Tatis the Padres trust. dark
The San Diego Padres are up against the wall as it comes to the luxury tax. That lack of wiggle room could lead to a quiet trade deadline.