Fansided

5 teams expected to be active on the MLB trade market

By Sean Sears

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 29: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox looks on after the Red Sox defeat Baltimore Orioles 5-4 at Fenway Park on September 29, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 29: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox looks on after the Red Sox defeat Baltimore Orioles 5-4 at Fenway Park on September 29, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – OCTOBER 31: Jayce Tingler (2nd-R) poses for a photo with San Diego Padres executive chairman Ron Fowler (L) general manager A.J. Preller (2nd-L) and general partner Peter Seidler (R) at a news conference held to announce Tingler’s hiring as the new manager of the San Diego Padres at Petco Park October 31, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – OCTOBER 31: Jayce Tingler (2nd-R) poses for a photo with San Diego Padres executive chairman Ron Fowler (L) general manager A.J. Preller (2nd-L) and general partner Peter Seidler (R) at a news conference held to announce Tingler’s hiring as the new manager of the San Diego Padres at Petco Park October 31, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /

4. The Padres want to add a front-end starter, but Lindor will do just fine

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported earlier this week that the Padres had accidentally” pursued shortstop Francisco Lindor while attempting to negotiate a trade for starter Corey Kluber — who was traded to Texas this past Sunday. While the Padres have been mainly searching for starting pitching this offseason, knowing they lack a front-end starter to help guide their young core of starters.

But, if the Indians are shopping Lindor, there’s a good chance that they may be willing to part with other starters, Rosenthal teased Mike Clevinger as a player who betters fits into their competitive window. However, the Padres have the second-best farm system in baseball and theoretically could find a trade fit if motivated to acquire Lindor.

It is worth mentioning that with Lindor and the Indians drawing attention from the Dodgers, the Padres could be involved in these trade talks just to keep the four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glover from landing in LA. It’s also going to be tricky financially for the Padres to add Lindor and also retain him after his contract is up in 2021 — they’re reportedly trying to free up money by moving outfielder Wil Myers and his remaining $61 million owed over the next three seasons.

San Diego is no longer rebuilding and general manager A.J. Preller looks motivated to compete in 2020, but with some holes on the roster a trade involving their top prospects may be the best way to help his team win now. Expect an active winter from the Padres brass.

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