Craig Stammen could be dealt by Padres before deadline
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In an effort to get better and build on the longterm goal of competitive baseball in San Diego, the Padres could choose to deal veteran pitcher Craig Stammen in the coming days.
Several rumors have the San Diego Padres acquiring starting pitching before Wednesday’s deadline.
The team could very well add a pitcher, but they could also subtract a player or two.
With 40-man roster issues and a pending free agency, A.J. Preller and his staff could choose to trade veteran relief man Craig Stammen. Kirby Yates gets all the press for being a possible trade candidate, but the Padres have control over Yates through next season. Stammen is due to test the market and probably will do so this winter.
The veteran reliever is referred to as “Dad” by several pitchers. Losing Stammen in the clubhouse would be tough for a young group of pitchers, but there are just so many young arms that are deserving of playing time. The Padres have shuffled around relief pitchers all season long. Losing Stammen would not hurt the team as far as depth is concerned. His major loss would be felt through the locker room in terms of his veteran value.
Though Stammen has struggled at times this season, he is still very serviceable out of the pen. He is 6-5 with a 3.50 ERA in 2019. The right-handed pitcher has come out of the bullpen 51 times this season. For a playoff-contending team, his skill set is very valuable.
So what could the Padres honestly get for Stammen?
The answer is- not much. Stammen is useful, but the veteran pitcher is a rental and teams will be concerned that the Padres overused the pitcher. The Padres should be able to fetch a prospect or two for the veteran pitcher. A franchise loaded with prospects doesn’t exactly need new young talent, but Preller has shown an ability to pick another team’s pocket when it comes to acquiring their young talent. The Padres are heavily scouting the AZL and DSL leagues in search of prospects who are flying under the radar.
Stammen could also be packaged in a major deal if the Padres find a trade partner looking to go on a playoff run.
There are a ton of options for the team. They could also choose to keep Stammen and allow him to explore free agency with the hopes he returns to San Diego, a place where he is comfortable and had success. No stone will be left unturned in the organization’s quest to become a relevant franchise.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.