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After they failed to climb back into the playoff race by the trade deadline, the San Diego Padres are looking to shed some of their $107-million payroll. That means there will be plenty of players on the move this trade deadline. Here are the five most valuable players they have to deal, ranked in order of who can get them the biggest return.
5. OF Will Venable
Getty ImagesVenable is the least valuable trade chip the Padres have at this deadline, but he might be the piece generating the most interest. Since teams looking for outfield depth see Venable as a nice option, there's a good chance they could deal him before July 31. He just might not get them a huge prospect return.
4. SP Andrew Cashner
Getty ImagesCashner is a relatively valuable arm this deadline since he's still under team control past this season. Teams looking for team-controlled pitching have to be interested in him, and that includes contenders and non-contenders. Among the non-contenders that could be interested are the Braves and Rangers, as they look to the future.
3. RP Craig Kimbrel
Getty ImagesKimbrel is one of the most dominant closers in the game, which clearly makes him an attractive target this trade deadline. Several teams are looking for bullpen help and Kimbrel might just be the most valuable reliever on the trade market. Teams like the Twins, Tigers and Blue Jays that need bullpen help might just pay a premium for the closer.
2. SP James Shields
Getty ImagesAfter signing a three-year deal this offseason, Shields might already be on his way out of San Diego as the team looks to dump salary. There appear to be several teams interested and, given the extra years of team control, he figures to command more prospects than most pitchers at the deadline. If the Padres are able to move him to a team willing to pay his entire contract, it would be considered a success.
1. OF Justin Upton
Jake Roth, USA Today SportsUpton is the player on the Padres that jumps out at other teams when looking at their roster this trade deadline. Teams like the Mets and Orioles seem to be in on him and have several promising prospects to offer. Since the power-hitting outfielder will be a free agent this offseason, San Diego has to move him and get what they can before they lose him this winter anyway.
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