San Diego Padres' Trade Rumors: Last Minute Buzz Ahead of the Deadline

It appears the San Diego Padres are ready to close the book on the 2013 season and look forward to the future of the organization. With a team full of young players and a genuinely-hyped farm system, the future actually looks promising.

However, as we’re nearing the trade deadline, there are a few pieces of the puzzle that aren’t a necessity to the Padres’ long-term plan. The Padres could be looking to move some people in exchange for prospects to further bolster their system.

Let’s check out the latest buzz surrounding the Padres trade chips…

Relievers

Trades involving the Padres’ relievers, such as Luke Gregerson, Joe Thatcher, and Dale Thayer appear to have the most momentum and are becoming the most probable as the deadline approaches.

ESPNs Jerry Crasnick suggests the first two may be the focus for upcoming trades.

https://twitter.com/jcrasnick/status/361857038277554178

Also, despite the Tigers acquiring Jose Veras earlier today, they could still be on the market for an additional reliever. According to Danny Knobler of CBS, the Padres’ asking price for Gregerson may have dismayed talks between the two teams.

https://twitter.com/DannyKnoblerCBS/status/361870932538687489

Though Huston Street’s name comes up seemingly every trade deadline, MLB.com’s Cory Brock reports a deal is unlikely since he remains under team control through next season.

Carlos Quentin

The declining skill set and health could entice the Padres to trade Carlos Quentin to an AL team so he can become a DH. One of the teams interested in Quentin is the Baltimore Orioles who have been rumored to make a big splash before the deadline.

Buster Olney claims the Orioles have had internal discussions contemplating a trade for Quentin. Another rumor claims the Orioles are open to trading one of their top prospects, Dylan Bundy.

https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/361522146255704065

Though unlikely the Orioles would be willing to part with Bundy for Quentin, if it was possible I think the Padres would jump on it instantly.

However, again referring to Cory Brock’s earlier piece, he doesn’t expect the Padres to move Quentin stating, “Quentin, who is quietly having a strong offensive season, has a full no-trade clause. The Padres also like the idea of having him hit in the middle of their order.

‘Carlos is a good hitter,’ said Padres manager Bud Black. ‘If a pitcher makes a mistake, he's not missing those pitches."

Chase Headley

Though his name was on high trade alert during the offseason, it doesn’t appear the Padres are in any hurry to move him. For one thing, it’s difficult to determine his exact value (which will become prevalent during contract negotiations). Was his breakout 2012 season the true Headley, or an anomaly?

In 2012, Headley finished fifth in the NL MVP voting with career high 30 home runs and 115 RBI. However, he hasn’t really exploded in 2013 like some were looking forward to. So far he only has eight home runs and 33 RBI, nothing teams are really chomping at the bit for.

I still don’t expect the Padres to trade Headley, but rather negotiate a long-term contract. With an assembly of young stars in the making, the team needs a veteran presence in the heart of the order. Headley has shown he can provide a suitable role model and captain the team.

Edinson Volquez

I’m sure the Padres are more than willing to shed Volquez and his inflated contract to any team who will listen. The only problem is his play doesn’t merit teams trading for. An 8-8 record with a 5.70 ERA isn’t causing the Padres’ phones to ring.

InsideBayArea.com did list Volquez among others the A’s may be interested in. The team does seem enamored with starting pitching, so a trade could be likely. Also, the A’s are reportedly out of trade talks with the White Sox regarding Jake Peavy, so the possibility of a Volquez deal is still there.