As the San Diego Padres look to continue selling off their expensive assets, Melvin Upton Jr.'s bounce-back season makes him a potential trade candidate before the Aug. 1 deadline.
Continue for updates.
Blue Jays, Orioles Lead Upton Race
Saturday, July 23
Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball reported the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles are the front-runners to trade for Upton, either as a smaller trade or part of a larger deal involving more Padres.
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported the Toronto Blue Jays were inquiring about Upton earlier in the day
Indians Join Upton Race
Saturday, July 23
Buster Olney of ESPN The Magazine added the Cleveland Indians had also been discussing a potential trade for the outfielder.
Orioles Discussing Deal for Upton
Friday, July 22
Per Rosenthal, the Padres and Baltimore Orioles have discussed a deal involving Upton and Ubaldo Jimenez, though Rosenthal added the deal is "not yet close" because the Padres want prospects in addition to taking on Jimenez's salary.
Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reported the Padres were "telling teams they're getting close to dealing" Upton, though he also added it could "ultimately be posturing."
Both Upton and Jimenez are signed through 2017. Upton has a slightly higher salary for next season at $16.45 million, compared to $13.5 million for Jimenez.
Passan noted that because Upton has been solid for the Padres this season and they would be kicking in some money to make a potential deal happen, they can ask for a better prospect in the trade.
Veteran Upton a Valuable Trade Chip for Padres
Upton has fared well since being traded to the Padres in 2015, posting a .259/.316/.441 slash line in 177 games entering Friday. His 16 home runs this season are his best total since he set a career high with 28 in 2012.
The Padres have already been aggressive in the trade market this season, dealing James Shields to the Chicago White Sox and Drew Pomeranz to the Boston Red Sox.
Manuel Margot, whom San Diego acquired from Boston in the Craig Kimbrel trade during the offseason, is faring well in Triple-A with a .305/.356/.435 slash line in 87 games. He's not far from being ready for the big leagues, though the Padres will likely have to move Upton before giving Margot the keys to center field.
Since Upton has been a streaky player throughout his career, finding a trade partner for him while he's still healthy and productive should be the Padres' top priority.
Contract info via Spotrac.
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