Padres trade rumors: San Diego wants to move Shields, Kimbrel, others

Bob Hille

Padres trade rumors: San Diego wants to move Shields, Kimbrel, others image

The Padres' interesting offseason has devolved into a late July of pushing hard to trade some of their bigger stars, according to CBSSports.com .

Of course, they may just be gauging interest after a disappointing start to the season following a very interesting winter.

TRADE RUMORS: Cole Hamels | Jonathan Papelbon | Justin Upton

Rivals say starting pitchers James Shields (8-3, 3.77 ERA, 144 strikeouts) and Andrew Cashner (4-10, 3.93 ERA) and closer Craig Kimbrel (29 saves, 1.12 WHIP) are being mentioned prominently in trade talks as Friday's deadline approaches, although CBSSports.com said the team might just be gauging interest as it sits at 47-52, 7 1/2 games out of a wild-card berth.

That's not the kind of record the Padres expected from a $107 million payroll.

Shields is due $66 million over the next three season, which could make teams pause. He signed as a free agent in the winter but didn't get a no-trade clause.

Kimbrel, one of the game's best closers, and Cashner are much more cost-effective (read: movable).

Tyson Ross is pegged as highly attractive on the trade market with three years remaining on his contract.

Outfielders Justin Upton and Will Venable and starting pitcher Ian Kennedy, who are pending free agents, are likely candidates to go, as is pitcher Joaquin Benoit, who has a club option for next season.

Bob Hille

Bob Hille Photo

Bob Hille, a senior content consultant for The Sporting News, has been part of the TSN team for most of the past 30 years, including as managing editor and executive editor. He is a native of Texas (forever), adopted son of Colorado, where he graduated from Colorado State, and longtime fan of “Bull Durham” (h/t Annie Savoy for The Sporting News mention).