The Phillies, Mariners, and Reds are among the teams that have inquired on the availability of Padres right fielder Ryan Ludwick, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. The Padres appear willing to move the 32-year-old, who is eligible for free agency after the season.
Ludwick is hitting .255/.322/.393 with nine home runs in 299 plate appearances this year, with most of his production coming in May. He's been a little better away from PETCO Park, slugging .419 on the road. Ludwick earns $6.775MM this year, with potentially around $2.2MM remaining on July 31st. Inquiries from the Phillies and Reds may be a sign that those two clubs can squeeze in a salary of that size. Ludwick profiled as a Type B free agent the last time we checked, so that will be a factor.
Morosi adds that the Phillies and Cardinals are among the teams that have checked in with Padres GM Jed Hoyer on relievers Heath Bell and Chad Qualls, who will also be free agents after the season (Qualls has a $6MM club option with a $1.05MM buyout). Morosi expects Mike Adams to be popular as well, but as we've heard before the Padres are inclined to keep him since he's under team control for 2012.
