Continuing an active winter in the San Diego outfield, the Padres have joined the race to acquire Pirates center fielder Starling Marte, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports. The Padres have already shuffled around their outfield quite a bit this offseason, having added two players (Tommy Pham and Trent Grisham) and subtracted another (Hunter Renfroe). They could get rid of at least one more if a team takes Wil Myers off their hands. The Padres at least tried to pawn Myers off on his first professional team – the Royals – in the clubs’ talks centering on utilityman Whit Merrifield, but KC didn’t bite, according to Scott Miller of Bleacher Report.
More rumblings from the NL West…
- The Diamondbacks “floated” a proposal to Madison Bumgarner that would have promised him something in the realm of $70MM, per Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. That falls in line with MLBTR’s $72MM prediction (over four years) for Bumgarner, but the highly accomplished 30-year-old has his eyes fixed on a much richer contract. The longtime Giant’s reportedly aiming for a payday in the $100MM range.
- Teams have inquired about Rockies right-hander German Marquez, but they haven’t shown any willingness to trade him, Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweets. It’s neither surprising that other teams covet the strikeout-heavy Marquez nor that the Rockies want to keep him. Before last season, they signed the 24-year-old to a club-friendly extension – one that will see him earn a guaranteed $40.5MM from 2020-23 (including a $2.5MM buyout in ’24).
- Back in late September, the Padres and lights-out closer Kirby Yates were reportedly discussing an extension. No new deal has come together since, but it appears the two sides will at least make an effort to hammer something out. In regards to a potential extension, Yates told Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune: “I’m always interested. It’s not up to me. When you get to that point, you have the discussions.” Likewise, the Padres are open to it. The club will “start talking to Kirby about his situation for next year” later this offseason, general manager A.J. Preller revealed. The 32-year-old Yates has just one remaining season of arbitration control, in which he’s projected to earn a bargain salary of $6.5MM.
- The Diamondbacks were already known to have interest free-agent center fielder Shogo Akiyama, and GM Mike Hazen revealed they met with the Japanese standout on Tuesday, per Piecoro. The Cubs also met with Akiyama’s representatives.
Giants should take Myers and a prospect off the Padres hands
Myers actually hits at Oracle for some reason
A trade revolving Myers and Samardzija would make a lot of sense. The Shark was extremely underrated in 2019 and would fit well in San Diego. Padres would have to include a couple of prospects though. Edward Olivares strikes as someone in mind who the Giants should definitely be interested in.
That would be in keeping with Preller adding players on short term contracts and giving up our best prospects for them.
Yess please
Best idea I’ve heard concerning Myers
Why should they take him off our hands? How does he help the Giants?
…for a prospect…
How does a prospect help the Giants? You are going to have to be specific, because wandering generalities won’t cut it.
… what do you mean how does a prospect help the Giants? Their farm system is not very good, neither is their MLB team. Getting a top 15 prospect (for example) from the deep system of San Diego would help give the Giants a potential long term piece.
The same way that a prospect helps any team. Go troll somewhere else.
True, the Giants system hasn’t been very good. But it’s improving. They now have four guys in the Top 100 (Bart 19, Ramos 50, Luciano 61, Bishop 65). They still don’t have a lot of depth, but they’re heading in the right direction.
I agree. Myers hits really well in San Francisco.
Yes please do so we’ll even take back 50% of Myers salary.
Marte for sure!
No way are SD getting rid of Myers without including Gore. Everyone knows this. KC knows this, that’s why they said no.
Pirates moving Marte to the Padres would include Mejia and not Myers.
They aren’t paying for Myers.
Mejia, Morejon for Marte and the Bucs say yes.
Campusano and Baez for Marte and we sign Austin Romine at Catcher.
Say Mejia and Hosmer for Starling and we’ll shake on it.
Mejia’s value is dropping by the day.
When the Indians dumped him after they’d tried everything yet couldn’t get consistant results, the writing was on the wall….but Preller thought it was a forgery.
A can’t miss prospect that has 2 teams give on on him in 2 years is hardly a major trade piece.
Maybe I haven’t watched him catch enough, but I really don’t get all the negativity about Mejia. He was the third best hitter on the team last year and the Padres really need more offense. He made some mistakes behind the plate, but he was a rookie catcher. I think he should be the starter next year and they should officially make Hedges the backup or trade Hedges and sign a veteran catcher. The didn’t keep Barajas on staff this year for nothing.
@Vandals Took The Handles he was a top prospect because of his bat and he hit well in 2019
Still waiting for the ADAM JONES TO JAPAN update. He’s posted it on his instagram: 2 years plus an option, though no other details that I could see.
They posted about it
Whoops! So much content that I missed it! Thanks.
Don’t blame you for that. These articles have been flying by because of how much content there is to write about.
mlbtraderumors.com/2019/12/adam-jones-signs-with-j…
Hey I dont blame everyone for wanting Gore but technically it would be like teams asking for a young Kershaw back in the day. Hes projected to be possibly that special. So barring a trade a teams established number one, a Strasburg type, it ain’t happening.
Two things…
1. Fans and websites are captivated with the Padres pitching prospects. Other teams FO’s are not.
2. Preller has established a rep as a chump when making trades. He lucked out on Tatis, next to that…nothing.
3. Gore is one of the few Padres prospects that other teams see as having a future.
1. Cool
2. Story
3. Bro
1. If no FO’s are impressed with the Padres pitching prospects, why are the first words out of every GM’s mouth “I want Gore and/or Patino” whenever AJ calls?
2. I take it you have never heard of Paddack, have you?
3. The Padres have 3 of the top 30 and 6 of the top 100 prospects in baseball. So either only 4 prospects in all of baseball are going to turn out, or everyone who writes for mlb.com is an idiot and you know better than every pro baseball writer and baseball fan on Earth-or you are just wrong. What is most likely?
Must have blown it by acquiring Paddack.
Campusano and weathers for marte. Maybe try to throw in Myers and add Baez or Morejon into the deal
Almost certainly would include campusano, Mejia or hedges. If pirates are going into a full rebuild which they should then they may take on Myers along with cash and package of prospects. Pirates could come out of this with a pile of young talent.
I wouldn’t trade Campusano, and I don’t think the FO would either
Not leaving Marte out there without getting
Meijia back. Plain and simple.
Including Myers in any deal for Marte basically means you better be ready to attach Gore or Patino.
You could MAYBE get away with attaching a lesser prospect but that would only work if you take a bag of balls back, not Marte
Marte for Mejia, Grisham, France & Weathers.
You want a Mini Cooper, a Camry, a Tahoe and a Land Rover in trade for a Dodge Charger? Get outta here!!!
You probably also wouldn’t have gotten fleeced for Glasgow and meadows for archer but the pirates did … so let’s be honest
The Pirates also have a different GM and front office and I doubt they make the same mistakes as Huntington and company. I hope the Pirates do not target Mejia or Hedges, they already have a back up catcher and can basically get their equivalents of free agency. The Pirates need to sign a veteran catcher from free agency and trade for a prospect in AA or AAA that can be developed to their system and deployed on the MLB roster.
I’m sorry Mrs. Myers but nobody wants your son on their team.
You don’t get to talk about somebody else’s mom. They’re civilians, goatboy.
Rather trade Mejia than Campusano.
Pittsburgh doesn’t want Myers. If you add him, we need another prospect. Campusano, Baez, Morejon and Myers for Marte.
4 guys for 1 Marte….keep him if he’s that good. What’s the matter, not enough money in the family budget to feed him? Let him go to a foster home where everyday is Fish Taco Day.
Baez, Margot, and Oliveras would be a solid offer from the Padres.
Why would the Pirates need 2 OFers, if you swap out Margot for Joey Cantillo then I think the Pirates would be interested. Olivares & Baez are on the 40 man roster leaving an open spot after acquiring Marte and Cantillo is a LHP that would fill another need for the Pirates.
I wouldn’t mind a Marte trade with the Padres, they have a lot to offer, but I really don’t think either of their catchers are starting quality. I’m scared of catching prospects, they very rarely pan out, best to just sign veteran guys.
I wouldn’t mind something with one of their young pitchers (Quantrill) and another prospect or two, Also, they should think about taking Wil Myers if if gets them a better package. They have to spend money somewhere.
Let me retort—I wouldn’t mind sending Quantrill, Hosmer and a middle prospect for Marte and Josh Bell, straight up.
That’s crazy talk. Hosmer has negative value like Myers, only moreso.
Again I still don’t see why Madbums value is any less than Zach Wheelers.
Not a Wheeler fan, but I assume it’s because of the additional innings on Bumgarner’s arm. He’s shown signs that he’s fully in his decline phase. Wheeler might have a few years of his prime left whereas Bumgarner will only get worse. That’s my guess on their thought process, anyway.
Dude does not pitch well outside Oracle Park. See his road splits and park adjusted FIP. Scary.
For sure. Madbum could have only got that 5 inning shutout save in Game 7 at home. You tell em!
Dude is FIVE YEARS OLDER now. He’s not the WS legend anymore.
Like I said: See his road splits and park adjusted FIP.
Age and mileage
What vis worse, Tommy John surgery and missing 2 seasons or being good enough to be in the majors 4 years earlier so you pitch more innings?
Maybe we should ask Verlander.
Bumgarner is a god, Wheeler is a third wheel.
At least Atlanta is not desperate for an “Ace” again.
Atlanta had three aces and something like 14 consecutive division titles with Kasten and only once did they not choke on the big one in the WS.
The Padres could use a few more OFers. That aside, I wonder if F. Cordero has any currency? Cheap, talented and controllable for 4 seasons, albeit fragile thus far.
If Cordero can get a deal done for a guy like Marte you definitely have to include him. He’s kind of a wild card. Huge power and good speed, but always hurts his arm for some reason.
I don’t understand….Padres fans are always…always talking about the Padres farm system and how its teaming with prospects yet almost every rumor concerning major league veteran players involves the Padres….which is it…is the farm system stocked with potential major league players or not…..or do those players just look good on paper which prompts the Padres to constantly be involved with proven veterans when they come available.
Prospects have different degrees of being MLB ready. Padres need to win now so can’t wait for some of the teenagers.
If it bothers you don’t click on a Padres story. Worry about your own team.
Ok, be an A__hole about an honest question….go get a life!
And by the way….it’s not a Padres only story jerk___
Well come on punk….do you feel lucky today….well do you punk?
I’m waiting…..Yeh,.I thought so!
Name calling huh? Yup. Just another troll.
The honest answer is, it’s not about the Padres, any major league team would do it. You don’t raise every single Prospect to come up and be an All-Star in your system. There isn’t room for all of them. You build a good farm system so that you can pluck three or four guys out of there to be studs on your team, like tati’s, Paddock, Gore, Etc. Then you fill in around them with other major league Talent. The way you acquire that Talent is signing a few free agents and then using your other prospects as money to trade for other proven Talent. The intent of having so many prospects is not to use them all.
How is Whit Merrifield a utility man?
He’s a Lineman for the County.
He’s played every position in the majors except for pitcher/catcher and SS.
Padres are offering Myers for Merrifield? That’s a new level of absurd, even for AJ Preller.
Unbelievable that Preller is trying to push Myers in trades that don’t involve the other team getting Gore or sending back a comparably bad contract.
More unbelievable that you think anyone is worth Gore in trade. Have you seen the kid pitch? 98 mph, wicked curve, and an even better changeup.
He is so good that this article compares him to Kershaw. It’s one of 3 articles in the last year that have done so.
blogs.fangraphs.com/lets-find-some-clayton-kershaw…
Ahhhhh……..
Fangraphs also wrote that Preller had assembled the best group of prospects in the history of the world. By far.
Margot – gold glover, .300 hitter, 50 SB’s.
Josh Naylor – future batting champion.
Hunter Renfroe – future HR champion.
Francisco Mejia & Austin Allen – Catchers MLB teams are envious of.
Luis Urias & Ty France – future All-Star infielders.
And all those can’t miss Pitchers.
Live near Amarillo. Have seen him pitch live several times. He is going to be good. But parting with a player with his potential is the cost of divorcing yourself from a sub-replacement level player who is owed $68m.
You do love your hyperbole Vandals. The only ones of those I have ever seen was Urias being a POSSIBLE all star OF and Renfroe POSSIBLY someday vying for a HR title. Nobody anywhere has ever said Naylor will be a batting champ. And I defy you to show me a link that says the Padres collected the best group of prospects in the history of the world. I bet you also think you are 7’2” tall, have a 24” member and an IQ of 250. Just FYI, none of those things and nothing else you have written in your post is anywhere close to true.
I follow Fangraphs closely. Not one of those things appeared in print.
Not one.
Can we now slag Fangraphs or is it still too soon?
What is going on with your goat image? Looks like the irrigation boot guy has your hind legs in the boots.
No where did it say that it was a one for one offer
You can’t attach enough other pieces to include Myers for Merrfield, you just can’t.
Yup. GMDM wants the Padres’ top 3 prospects for Merrifield straight up. Him taking Myers in the deal just isn’t going to happen.
You can’t get Gore for Merrifield. Not enough.
GMDM would ask for more than Gore for Merrifield. He doesn’t want to trade him.
Gore + Myers for Merrifield is probably fair.
What article are you reading? This one said nothing about them straight up.
What’s the problem— less is best, right? Both players’ names start with “M”, ours has one “e” & theirs has two, and ours has one “r”/theirs two. The ‘y” in Myers and the two “i” in Merrifield sound the same in Spanish. Good deal.
Only Preller would think he could get Merrifield for Myers. He has no direction or ever has any with the Padres. Trade, suck, rebuild, trade prospects. He is clueless
Not 1 for 1 obviously lol. But they probably floated different prospect packages based on taking Myers.
Does no one here ever read the article? AJ NEVER suggested a swap of Myers for Merrifield.
How about you check the link in the article??? It’s right there in the bleacher report twitter post.
The way you read an article, I am sure you believe that the White Sox traded Chris Sale for Victor Diaz straight up, don’t you?
Everyone here so quick to call Preller an idiot they can’t see for themselves that it’s “them” that are the idiots.
Please show us where it said Preller wanted to trade Myers for Merrifield straight up?
It didn’t….so why make such absurd statements?
Maybe it was Myers/Trammell/Quantrill/Naylor/prospect?
Plus I would even guess the Padres would pay part of Myers remaining contract.
You enjoying the view from up his behind? #brownisback
And he just overpaid for Profar, a switch hitter. Why does he get Merrifield now? Preller is clueless and his role the past five years continues to hurt the franchise.
I have a hunch just the mere mention of adding Myers to a trade right now will kill that trade until San Diego is willing to partt with some big prospects and even then it may be a no go. GM’s are really that sour on Myers and his contract..
Baltimore might trade Davis for Myers, however.
Here’s the plan: First – Myers +$20 mil, Torrens, and a choice of Baez/Morejon/Miller for Marte and a low level prospect.
Then – Wilson Contreras for Campusano or Mejia and Lucchesi or Margevicius.
Finally – Re-sign Stammen
Roster set!
I think you forgot to turn off “force trade” on your MLB The Show game.
It takes both sides agreeing for a trade to happen. I don’t see either the Pirates or the Cubs agreeing to those trades.
Why would the Padres trade for one of the few catchers that are actually worse than Mejia on defense?
Agreed. Of you want offense and bad defense, just keep Mejia……
Myers for Price straight up. Then people will stop bringing either up.
96 million for 60 million.
Except one has no on-field value while the other has some.
100 IP for $32 million AAV = less than zero value.
Myers was literally below replacement level in 2019. If this were a meritocracy Wil Myers would be paying the Padres to play for them. Price at least makes his team better.
And Price is definitely overpaid but when you look at what pitchers are getting on the open market this offseason he suddenly doesn’t look completely terrible anymore.
Been proposing this exact trade amongst my friends for a few days. Sox save 10 million, and if you told the Padres you could have a close to front of the rotation pitcher and only add 10 million to your current payroll, they do do it.
Go Preller. Trade more prospects for players on the wrong side of 30 years old. Decimate the farm system so they have no shot at winning when you are fired.
What prospect that hit has he traded?? Your sitting here defending the pirates and bashing preller??
Pretty sure last year trade archer for meadows and Glasgow was worse then anything AJ has ever done. I’d say stick to your night job buddy
The Kemp and Myers trades were as bad as Archer.
Lol….. You act like every single one of these prospects in the system are going to turn into gold. Fact is, probably 1 in 3 will. So if you trade 3 highly touted prospects for a couple of already successful MLB players, you’re more than likely only giving up 1 mlb player for 2 or 3. Heck, look at the Royals. They traded baseball’s #1 prospect, back in 2012. Most Royals fans were “furious”. They got James Shields, who in 2 years, helped them to the world series in 2014. They also got Wade Davis, who helped in 2014 and then also was an all star in 2015, taking the Royals to a world series title. The player they traded to get those 2 from the Rays?????? Will Myers, a cant miss, #1 overall prospect……… So if the shoe was in the other foot, if you substitute the Padres for the Royals in that scenario, would it be worth it??????
Myers actually debuted with the Rays before being shipped to the Royals.
He was drafted by the Royals but never played in the majors with them. He was traded to the Rays in the James Shields, Wade Davis deal before coming over to SD.
Right, baseballs #1 prospect with the Royals. Fans were furious. They trade him, got 2 players that helped turn them to world series champions within 3 years. I’d take that as a Padre fan. Maybe not Gore, but most of the other prospects. Gotta give something to get something.
Patino + Morejon + Myers (no $) for a PTBNL sounds about right?
Without adding money maybe, I means what’s Myers worth on the open market for 3 years. 15-20m ??
Leaves 48m still left. So you would have to at the very least add money and prospects to equal or greater then that value.
Heck, keep Myers…watch him bounce back. Don’t trade Gore, Patino or anyone and sign Bumgarner.
Watch some of these ‘lesser’ Padres prospects succeed with the Padres while rumors emerge that thet could have been acquired in deals with other teams.
Watch fans complain that their GM’s didnt trade for a Baez or Campusano and someone arises from obscurity in the Padres farm, who could have been had in a trade, become the next Peavy.
Just saying thats the way things go.
I agree. Give Myers ONE last chance and it would be easier to trade him next year 2/40.
Honestly he can’t hit any worse.. I see him bouncing back he’s got talent, and yes 2-44 mil is easier to swallow then 3-67.
Good point. Myers’ trade value can’t get much worse than it currently is. If he sucks in 2020 he goes from being a 3-year sunk cost to a 2-year sunk cost.
Agreed. Keep what you drafted. Let them play. Sign a proven winner/ace/hitter/competitor—Bumgarner.
I think if you played him more consistantly, might give him time to break out of his slump. Green switched lineups more than his underwear, nobody ever got settled.
What if instead of shipping Myers over, the PIrates paid most of Marte’s contract so they can get more talent in return? Like Marte plus 15 mil of his salary for Campusano and Patino.
Maybe if you pay his whole salary the Padres will throw in Gore and Tatis as well.
Word on the street is that the Rockies think last year was an anomaly and that they can contend next year. They are asking for an arm a leg for guys like Gray, Story and Arenado. They’re not willing to sell low or kick in significant salary on any of those awful reliever contracts either. I guess I see their logic. If Freeland pitches like he did in 2018 and guys like Ryan McMahon and Brendan Rodgers take a step forward, maybe they could contend for a wild card. They’re trying to add a catcher and if they got some production from that position and 3 or 4 guys bounceback then maybe they’d have a chance.
Pirates and Padres seem to match up well. Especially if they’d move Mejia.
Offer up Frazier and (SD native) Trevor Williams in a mega package for multiple prospects.
I concur! The pirates need to max the trade value of everyone. It’s not that the Pirates have no one, actually they have a quality roster, just no super stars. Great supplement types.
For example Marte is very good just not super star. Just like a movie you have to have a great supporting cast! And that is what he is. 3 to 4 win player
IMO any trade involving Myers depends on how much money the Pads are going to eat. That will determine the prospect cost.
If I am Pittsburgh I’d take on 33 to 40 mil of that contract over 3 years. You figure Marte is appx 25 for 2 years. But I want a huge package, I’m talking several players and at least 2 from 2 to 10.
Now I’d also add in other moving parts from the buccos to address need for the Pads. For example, but not necessarily the case. Williams (SP) or Kela could be added to really get it moving. Pads are ready to win now and buccos are in a partial rebuild. It’s a pretty good fit for both teams.
And personally I really like Marte though there are times he can be frustrating. But his pitch recognition has really gotten better. And that freeking arm of his….lort in the same level as Dave Parker and Jose Gueilln(sp) it’s a cannon!
If the rumors are true, the Padres have been trying to trade Myers for over a year with no interest. Padre fans trying to trade Myers is like Yankee fans trying to trade Ellsbury
Probably the problem is the GM. He needs to eat some good chunk of money. If he doesn’t then the cost is top prospects.
That is just the way it is. 60mil is a lot to eat without getting 1 or 2 of the top 3 prospects (and maybe more).
Top 3 padres prospects are top 30 in MLB so you sound dumb generalizing that…
Not if I’m taking on 60 mil of dead money. Which is exactly what Myers contract is. I better get 2 of the top 3 or it’s no go slick. The hell with these crazy “we will give you the crap we don’t want”. If I’m taking that full contract I’m getting top tier guys, period!
You sound stupid for suggesting otherwise.
Now you want to split that contract I’ll take less, as I suggested above. But I’ll be damn if I’m taking it all for less than 2 of the top 3.
Prospects are worth more than ever. With ACE’s making $35-$36 million per year in free agency, what is MacKensie Gore worth? 6 years of control, you can get $216 million in value for crazy cheap. Even if he is just pretty good, that is $120 million in value. For Myers $60 million? Michael Wacha will be making 5-20 times what Gore will be making next year IF he gets to the majors. If the Pirates or Royals need an ACE they can feel free to pony up $320 million in free agency. I am sure they both have that much laying around. The Padres will keep their ACE and the Pirate and Royals can keep losing with Marte and Merrifield as opposed to losing without them.
Unfortunately if I’m taking on 60 mil in dead money that’s 20 mil per year. Unfortunately it doesn’t go to Gore it goes to Myers. Also Gore is young very few ACE’s happen in year one or two. Some do most don’t
2 of top 3 prospects for a $60 million contract? Myers had a wRC+ of 96 in 2019. That is just slightly below average. You know who were noticeably worse while making more money? Kenley Jansen and Joe Kelly. So if the Padres take those contracts, they can expect to get both Lux and May from the Dodgers right? Probably more since that is 2 holes in the lineup vs. just 1 for Myers. Forget it then! I will take that deal and keep Myers! Anyone else want to trade the Padres a $60 million contract along with a top 5 overall and a top 30 overall prospect? I will take all comers!
Wil Myers is getting more money than Ian Kennedy and some fans are still complaining about his contract (which will would finally be off the books in a year.).
I agree with the Royals front office that be stupid to take on wil Myers contract.
Madbum, PLEASE consider the Padres offer
Never say “please”—it’s a sign of weakness.
Myers will thrive in Boston
Now that 3 teams are known and probably more pop up as the free agent options thin out the odds are looking better that the Pirates will get either Campusano/Padres, Alvarez/Mets or Varsho/DBacks as a headline in a trade for Marte. .Knowing the Pirates want catching and that Varsho is blocked behind Kelly & Vogt which makes the DBacks the likeliest to trade their top catching prospect. I wonder if a team will feel compelled to take Marte off the market before more teams become involved. Would Varsho + 1 of the RHPers Kelly or Malone and OFer Wilderd Patino be competitive enough to beat out the Mets & Padres.
As for Varsho it all depends if he can stay behind the dish. Good place to start. Him and Walston and Kelly get it done IMO. But if the Pads are serious they can probably beat this.
But really even though the Pirates are looking for a catcher, I’m fairly sure that is not a deal breaker. Ben is smart enough to take the best talent regardless of position provided the value is there.
I doubt the DBacks trade Walston their first round pick in 2019 but anything is possible. As for getting the best available, I agree and the Pirates may not need to get a catcher back for Marte especially if they get one from a different trade piece. The Pirates are talking w/ the A’s about Jonah Heim so it seems that what position area they target per each player may change as trades occur.
Pirates should sign madbum