Fansided

MLB Trade Deadline: 5 Impact Players That Could Be Moved Through Waiver Trades

By Kyle Franzoni

Jul 22, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher James Shields (33) pitches during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 22, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher James Shields (33) pitches during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Jul 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; National League outfielder Justin Upton (10) of the San Diego Padres prior to the 2015 MLB All Star Game at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; National League outfielder Justin Upton (10) of the San Diego Padres prior to the 2015 MLB All Star Game at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Upton – San Diego Padres

Given their 8.0 game deficit in the National League West and the 7.5 game climb they face in the Wild Card, many expected the San Diego Padres to make a big push at the MLB Trade Deadline to shed dead pieces and get something in return. Unfortunately, A.J. Preller must have still been tired from his busy winter as nothing came to fruition for San Diego as teams seemed more interested in their controllable pieces (Tyson Ross, Craig Kimbrel) than the ones they wished to move.

One surprising name that didn’t seem to grab much traction was Justin Upton, as teams turned their attentions to Jay Bruce (not traded), Carlos Gomez (Astros), and Yoenis Cespedes (Mets) instead. Perhaps that was a sign of the type of return that Preller was looking to cash out for Upton, but it was more likely to do with the way Upton has played of late.

Over the last 28 days, the outfielder has been struggling immensely, hitting just .189/.214/.415 with four home runs and 10 RBI. Some of that has to do with a lingering oblique injury and teams are not going to take on the $5.3 million Upton is still owed and give up a premium prospect in exchange for a broken piece that isn’t performing.

Perhaps a few games of strong play and health could increase his value and lead to a waiver wire move before August 31st. However, it is just as likely that the Padres decide to hold on to him as this stage and just recoup a draft pick by extending Upton a qualifying offer this winter.

Next: James Shields - San Diego Padres

Home/Boston Red Sox