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Well it's that time of year where I begrudgingly give my thoughts and predictions as to who the Padres will move in trades as the deadline approaches. I'll start with the most likely to least likely.
JUSTIN UPTON
While he's been Justin Slumpton the last month or so, he still may be the most attractive bat available this month. Even with the prolonged slump, he's still posting a 116 wrc+, and is more likely to surge the second half and play at a better clip. His value is limited due to his impending free agency, and because any team acquiring him will not receive draft pick compensation if he walks.
CRAIG KIMBREL
Arguably the greatest closer,at bat per at bat, to this point in his career, Kimbrel is still in his prime, has some years left on his contract, is decently priced compared to Papelbon, the other big name closer on the trade market. I personally feel he's the Padres strongest trade chip because he's not a 2 month fix and could fetch a better package of players.
WILL VENABLE
Excellent 4th outfielder or platoon bat who's progressed back to his career line after a terrible 2014. Nothing pops off the charts for him, but his defense is solid, specifically as in left or right field, with solid base running and occasional pop.
JOAQUIN BENOIT
Add another solid season to the seemingly ageless Benoit. A 159 era+ has Benoit again looking like a solid mid season trade chip who has an option year for 2015 and could easily fill in as a closer.
YONDER ALONSO
This is my wildcard pick. Yonder is posting a career year, similar to former Padres third baseman Chase Headley did in 2011 in that his walks are way up, and in turn,has produced an above average year despite lacking homerun power. He could be on an upswing in production and has two more years of control beyond this season, where he could continue to develop and post career best numbers.
There's been mutterings of James Shields being shopped but his $21 million per year salary kicking in next year will probably slow if not halt any trade talks. The Padres could move Andrew Cashner or Tyson Ross, but both have control through next year (Ross is controlled through the end of 2017 I believe), and it'd be selling low on two under performing arms who could be 2starters or better.
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