MLB Trade Deadline: 5 trades Padres should make

The San Diego Padres are working to become a World Series contender around the year 2020. Here are a few of the trades they need to make now to finish off 2017.

The San Diego Padres spent a lot of money a few years ago to have an amazing team in 2015. When that didn’t work, they spent a lot of money in 2016 in the international market to have an amazing team in a few years. It has been a while since the Padres have done anything interesting, but the talent they have in development is worth getting excited about.

No one is expecting much from the Padres over the next few seasons as they focus on “rebuilding” the team, which is franchise-speak for waiting until their 16 and 17-year old signees are old enough to play. However, with the San Francisco Giants fumbling around in last place of the National League West, the Padres are currently enjoying their spot in fourth place (38-50, .432)

As the trade deadline approaches the Padres will look to make some sales in order to acquire young talent at a good deal. They have a few pitchers and position players they can use to entice deals, but they will likely stay away from offering up players like Wil Myers and Yangervis Solarte, both of whom received multi-year extensions prior to the start of the season.

5. Clayton Richard

Clayton Richard has been doing well for the Padres at the top of the rotation. The lefty has appeared in 18 games this season and has posted a 5-8 record with a 4.66 and 75 strikeouts in 110 innings of work. Richard threw 127 pitches on June 14 in a bid for a shutout over the Reds, but after 8 ⅔ scoreless innings Cincinnati’s Tucker Barnhart hit a two-run, pinch-hit double to shatter the shutout.

Richard has been impressive in 2017. The Reds broke up his shutout but he also had another eight-inning shutout game against the Dodgers at the start of the season in addition to allowing on earned run against Arizona in May.

Since we know the Padres are officially rebuilding, they can afford to trade one of their starters if the deal is right. Richard has been hot this season and he has turned quite a few heads. He’s an interesting trade acquisition because he can step in and make an immediate impact for any teams that need some help in their starting rotation.