Joaquin Benoit trade rumors: San Diego Padres likely to keep Benoit?
By Hayden Kane
The San Diego Padres entered this summer’s “trade season” with one of the best closers and one of the best setup relievers available for any contending team to pursue.
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As those rumors initially started to surface, it sounded like a sure thing that the Padres would trade both Huston Street and Joaquin Benoit to start reloading with talent for the future.
They got out in front of the crowd a bit when they dealt Street to the Angels earlier this month. With that move done, however, it sounds like the team might be more inclined to keep Benoit.
Scott Miller of Bleacher Report passes along the following:
An official with a rival club says his read is that the #Padres will not deal Joaquin Benoit.
— Scott Miller (@ScottMillerBbl) July 31, 2014
The official said his read is #Padres were more open to dealing Benoit b4 they dealt Street. Once Street dealt, likelihood Benoit stays grew
— Scott Miller (@ScottMillerBbl) July 31, 2014
San Diego shifted Benoit to the closer’s role after trading Street. They are likely thinking that they can keep him there for a while now, perhaps with the hopes that they will be a candidate for a quick turnaround in either the 2015 or the 2016 season.
The Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees are among the teams rumored to be interested in Benoit if the Padres change course and end up trading him.
Be sure to stay tuned to FanSided’s MLB Rumors page to stay up to date with the latest action and rumblings from the baseball hot stove this trade season as Thursday’s deadline approaches.