Possible Trade Chips for the Padres, Not Named Solarte or Hand
Credit: AP Photo
The Venezuelan, right-handed pitcher has thrown well in spurts this year for the Padres. With a 5-5 record, he has been every bit of average. That was the reputation on Chacin before the season. He doesn’t impress you in any regard with his stuff, but he is capable of throwing a quality start every fifth day. Health had been an issue for him in the past, so it is nice to see him make it thus far without any problems.
He has some decent value, but wouldn’t command a high prospect (a common theme), as he will be a free agent at the end of the 2017 season. In a perfect world, he will lower his ERA and WHIP this season, while boosting his value. Playoff contenders will be looking for pitchers that have heated up, so there is no telling what Chacin’s value will be. It really all comes down to how he is pitching towards the trade deadline. Stay tuned.
The speedy outfielder has been out since April with a broken foot. He looked to be the starting left fielder for the entire 2017 season, but things have changed as Allen Cordoba, Matt Szczur, and Franchy Cordero have filled in just fine for Jankowski. He has value, as he can be an elite center fielder in the league. His defense is not an issue, but he does have some glaring weaknesses with the bat that need to be addressed. Then there is the fact that he is hurt and coming off a foot injury, when speed is a key element to his worth.
The Padres will explore dealing Jankowski, but they have no real need to. Yes, the team has plenty of potential options in center, but the value of Jankowski is low right now. I do not see Preller moving him for pennies on the dollar. However, if someone gives up a decent haul, then the Padres will likely take it. As the playoff picture becomes clear and teams realize their issues, players like Jankowski could have some real value.
The Padres need left-handed pop, and Dickerson could be what the doctor ordered. With the recent demotion of Ryan Schimpf, the Padres have no real thunder from the left side of the batters box. He could see significant time in left once he returns. If he can continue to mash the baseball like he did last season, then he could provide some value for the team in the trade market.The Poway native hit 10 home runs in 84 games last season while hitting .257 on the year.
At 27, Dickerson is not young by any means. His value is minimal at the moment, but with a month or so of consistent at bats, he could provide value for the team in the trade market. Teams will not be knocking down the door for Dickerson, but he could be packaged with a pitcher or two, creating an enticing package. A left-handed hitter with power has value for a team in a playoff push.
The 30-year-old Yates has been a pleasant surprise for the Padres after he was acquired off waivers from the Angels. He presently has a 2.79 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP, but has struck out an impressive 27 batters in 19.1 innings pitched. His fastball velocity is impressive, as he is averaging 93.76 MPH on his heater. It has great movement as well, as he has often made batters look foolish.
Being a veteran reliever makes him valuable to a contending team. You can never have enough options out of the bullpen. Yates is not a household name by any means, but the reliever has been getting hitters out this season. Advanced scouts will take notice of that and he could be the victim of a trade come July. The veteran will have to remain a solid option in the pen for that to happen as he doesn’t have a huge track record of success at the major league level.
I really like Asauje. He has an excellent approach at the plate and looks to be a real “gamer”. However, he is lost behind a glut of second baseman in the Padres’ system. Yangervis Solarte, Cory Spangenberg, Ryan Schimpf, and Luis Urias clearly have priority over infield positions, so his best value might be as a trade chip. Of course this could change if Preller deems any one of the before mentioned infielders expendable.
Asuaje hasn’t had a great season in El Paso, as he has put up a .237/.366/.337 batting line in 53 games with only one home run. That after hitting .321 last year for the Chihuahuas in 134 games. At 25, he has some upside, but he needs an opportunity to play. You have to wonder if the talent above him in the pecking order is affecting his game. Perhaps he is trying to do too much and a change of scenery will benefit this young left-handed hitter. He has value as a major league-ready prospect, but dealing him might be difficult as teams are aware of the Padres’ excess of infielders.
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.