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MLB Trade Rumors: Orioles, Padres talking Ubaldo Jimenez-Melvin Upton deal

By Dave Stevenson

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 /
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According to Ken Rosenthal, the Orioles and Padres are discussing a trade involving outfielder Melvin Upton and starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez.

The Baltimore Orioles would love to get a mulligan on starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez’s contract. It was dicey at best when they signed the free agent in 2014, but it has exploded in their face as Jimenez has an ERA of over 7 in 2016.

The San Diego Padres would like to move outfielder Melvin Upton to make room for one of their young outfield prospects. According to Ken Rosenthal, the Orioles and Padres have discussed a trade that would send Upton to the Orioles and Jimenez to the Padres.

Rosenthal also noted that the Orioles would likely have to include a prospect, which the O’s are not too keen on doing. The Padres would save a little bit of money on the deal while the Orioles likely wouldn’t have to send any money to the Padres. They would also get out of a deal that they would love to get rid of.

The reason that the O’s are interested in Upton is because of Joey Rickard’s recent thumb injury that could keep him out until September and Hyun-Soo Kim’s hamstring. Upton would give the Orioles some insurance in case center fielder Adam Jones gets injured and would likely play left field for them. He would also give the Orioles some speed, which is something that Baltimore could certainly use.

Upton is batting .260 this season with 16 home runs and 20 stolen bases. He has been caught stealing just five times this season. Upton has a 104 OPS+, meaning that he is an above average hitter. He provides a unique blend of power and speed that the Orioles could use.

For more MLB Trade Rumors, check out FanSided’s MLB hub page.

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