5 Players San Diego Padres Should Send Packing In 2015-16 MLB Offseason

Last offseason, the San Diego Padres made quite a bit of noise under first-year GM A.J. Preller. Despite making big moves such as acquiring Matt Kemp, Justin Upton and Wil Myers, however, the Padres finished in fourth place in the NL West with a record of 74-88. Here are five players they should send packing over the upcoming winter.

5. Ian Kennedy, RHP

After quite arguably having his best year since 2011 a season ago, starting pitcher Ian Kennedy stumbled to the tune of a 9-15 record with a 4.28 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP in 2015. Kennedy will also be a free agent this offseason. On one hand, it may make sense for the Padres to bring him back and hope he can rebound, but they make be better off letting him walk.

5. Ian Kennedy, RHP

After quite arguably having his best year since 2011 a season ago, starting pitcher Ian Kennedy stumbled to the tune of a 9-15 record with a 4.28 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP in 2015. Kennedy will also be a free agent this offseason. On one hand, it may make sense for the Padres to bring him back and hope he can rebound, but they make be better off letting him walk.

4. James Shields, RHP

After signing a reported four-year, $75 million deal with an option for a fifth year this past offseason, starting pitcher James Shields had a decent year in 2015, going 13-7 with a 3.91 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. However, his FIP was elevated at 4.45, and his HR/FB spiked all the way to 17.6 percent. There should still be some interest in the veteran workhorse, and trading him would be a good way for the Padres to shed some salary.

4. James Shields, RHP

After signing a reported four-year, $75 million deal with an option for a fifth year this past offseason, starting pitcher James Shields had a decent year in 2015, going 13-7 with a 3.91 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. However, his FIP was elevated at 4.45, and his HR/FB spiked all the way to 17.6 percent. There should still be some interest in the veteran workhorse, and trading him would be a good way for the Padres to shed some salary.

3. Derek Norris, C

Although Derek Norris had a pretty nice year in 2015, hitting .250/.305/.404 with 14 home runs, the Padres have another up-and-coming catcher in Austin Hedges. There should be a market for a proven catcher in Norris, and San Diego shouldn't hesitate to move him if the right deal comes along.

3. Derek Norris, C

Although Derek Norris had a pretty nice year in 2015, hitting .250/.305/.404 with 14 home runs, the Padres have another up-and-coming catcher in Austin Hedges. There should be a market for a proven catcher in Norris, and San Diego shouldn't hesitate to move him if the right deal comes along.

2. Jedd Gyorko, INF

After launching 23 homers in his rookie campaign back in 2013, Jedd Gyorko was soon rewarded with a reported five-year, $35 million extension with an option for a sixth year. Gyorko struggled in 2014, but had a slight rebound this year, hitting 16 homers to possibly increase his value. Trading the power-hitting infielder would be another good way for the Padres to shed salary.

2. Jedd Gyorko, INF

After launching 23 homers in his rookie campaign back in 2013, Jedd Gyorko was soon rewarded with a reported five-year, $35 million extension with an option for a sixth year. Gyorko struggled in 2014, but had a slight rebound this year, hitting 16 homers to possibly increase his value. Trading the power-hitting infielder would be another good way for the Padres to shed salary.

1. Craig Kimbrel, RHP

Although he may have had a bit of a down year by his standards in 2015, posting a 2.58 ERA and a 13.6 HR/FB, Craig Kimbrel clearly remains one of the best closers in MLB. The Padres perhaps have no larger asset, and if they choose to deal him, they would load up on prospects in all likelihood.

1. Craig Kimbrel, RHP

Although he may have had a bit of a down year by his standards in 2015, posting a 2.58 ERA and a 13.6 HR/FB, Craig Kimbrel clearly remains one of the best closers in MLB. The Padres perhaps have no larger asset, and if they choose to deal him, they would load up on prospects in all likelihood.