The San Diego Padres were one of the most talked about MLB clubs heading into the 2015 season after their roster overhaul in the offseason. They're still being talked about, but not in a good way.
San Diego's tumultuous first few months of the season may have them selling at the trade deadline. The team fired manager Bud Black after a 32-33 start and now they're 3-5 under new manager Pat Murphy. Their fourth-place standing in the NL West division isn't what they'd hoped for, but they're only 4.5 games behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers.
However, if the Padres can't turn it around as the league gets closer to the July 31 trade deadline, will general manager A.J. Preller opt to trade some of their high-profile players?
Recent trade rumors suggest outfielder Justin Upton would be the team's best asset to sell because he's scheduled to hit free agency after the season and he could still provide a good return in a deal if a contending team is in need of a power-hitter.
He's one of the better offensive players in the MLB right now and has been for much of his career. The 27-year-old is expected to land a lucrative contract in free agency - likely one the Padres won't be able to afford - so it's possible Preller at least does his due diligence.
"Justin Upton, the Padres' best position player, is headed to free agency in a few months, with the industry fully expecting him to sign elsewhere for big money," writes ESPN Insider Buster Olney. "... they almost certainly won't be able to retain [him] ...
"They could introduce Upton to the trade market as the best available slugger, at a time when teams are starved for power."
This is not a new thought. Rumors surfaced earlier this month and early in May when the Padres began to show signs of weakness and contract questions arose. If they can't make up those 4.5 games by late July, it could become a reality.
So who would be interested?
Well, a lot of teams. But more specifically, what intriguing teams would be interested?
Perhaps the Tampa Bay Rays?
ESPN Insider Jason Martinez published his analysis of "The biggest holes on the top contenders" earlier today and put forth this fascinating proposition.
The Rays are surprisingly atop the AL East and have shown no signs of relenting. However, they do have flaws.
Their offense ranks 25th in the MLB and their left fielders - David DeJesus, Brandon Guyer and Joey Butler - have combined for just 25 runs scored (25th), 8 home runs (15th) and 31 RBIs (15th). Those who have played left field for the Rays this season have the average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS to show for it, but the run production has not been what it needs to be.
"The rotation still appears thin, at least on paper, but Jake Odorizzi and Matt Moore should return from the disabled list in July, leaving the offense in need," Martinez wrote. (The pitching staff is also third in the league with a 3.33 ERA.)
"Like the Pirates, the Rays aren't usually big on trading top prospects to help the big league club down the stretch. But with an obvious need for a middle-of-the-order bat and an abundance of middle-infield talent throughout the minors (Daniel Robertson, Willy Adames, Adrian Rondon), the Rays could put together an intriguing package for Upton's last few months before hitting free agency."
It's been said the Rays could go after Phillies' first baseman Ryan Howard and put him at DH to help facilitate more run scoring, but that could be more complicated than it seems, especially when dealing with general manager Ruben Amaro.
Upton would be a game-changing move that would legitimize the Rays' threat in the AL East for the remainder of the season. It's certainly something the organization isn't known to do, but the Rays have exceeded expectations with a number of their top players on the disabled list.
They just might continue to surprise.
