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MLB Trade Deadline: 5 trades Padres should make

By Nathaniel Reeves

Aug 8, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Melvin Upton Jr. (2) reacts to a strike call during a ninth inning at bat against the Philadelphia Phillies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Melvin Upton Jr. (2) reacts to a strike call during a ninth inning at bat against the Philadelphia Phillies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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July 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Melvin Upton Jr. (2) hits a single in the fifth inning against Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
July 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Melvin Upton Jr. (2) hits a single in the fifth inning against Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Trade Melvin Upton Jr. 

The resurgent Upton Jr. has been solid for the Padres and stands out as the most obvious trade chip on the roster. While it would have seemed impossible for Upton Jr. to have any value just two years ago, he’s producing enough to help a buyer out.

Following a number of strong seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays to begin his career, Upton Jr.’s fall with the Atlanta Braves was well publicized. Upton Jr. posted a miserable -0.6 WAR in 2013 per FanGraphs and wasn’t much better the next year, eventually leading him to becoming a bad contract throw-in in the Kimbrel deal.

Something clicked in San Diego for Upton Jr., as he posted a 110 wRC+ in limited playing time last year, his best mark since 2011. Now an everyday player, Upton Jr. is roughly matching that pace at the plate and has piled up 1.7 WAR so far.

The 31-year-old has found his power again with 16 home runs so far, in addition to 20 stolen bases. Coupled with solid outfield defense in left or center, Upton Jr. does enough things well to be a valuable addition to a contending team.

As Upton Jr. is only under contract through 2017, the Padres shouldn’t have any hesitation about trading him. Seattle, San Francisco or Kansas City could be among the possible destinations for Upton Jr.

For more MLB Trade Deadline coverage, check out our baseball hub page. 

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