The Aug. 1 trade deadline is six weeks away, and with rising temperatures comes increased speculation about players who could be on the move this summer.

The Padres already have made one significant deal, sending right-hander James Shields to the Chicago White Sox. That was the first of what likely will be multiple trades by a franchise that has shifted its focus to the future.

What do major league evaluators see in the Padres’ remaining pieces?

Here’s what scouts told the Union-Tribune about several candidates to be dealt before August (excluding right-handers Tyson Ross and Andrew Cashner, who are on the disabled list).


Closer Fernando Rodney

American League scout: “Lot of teams kicking themselves that they didn’t make a run at Rodney (in the offseason). Not sure the Pads didn’t just luck into that one with him falling in their lap and being one of the few teams in need of a closer. Might have the most leverage with him as he’s an upgrade to every ‘pen in baseball.”

National League scout: “Not real tough to close for a bad club, as you get a lot of rest between outings, limited pressure. Experience there, limited market, not a prime chip. How many playoff clubs are looking for a closer?”

Outfielder Jon Jay

AL scout: “Would think Arizona would have some interest in Jay, and they have some interesting pieces in the minors. Question of trading within the division would arise.”

NL scout: “Has postseason experience, limited value due to impending free agency and how he might impact a contending club. Padres won’t get much, but they’ll get a chance to shed some money.”


Catcher Derek Norris

AL scout: “Norris is a tough one in that he wants to be a No. 1 guy but is best suited as a backup or part of a platoon. Finding a fit is tough and as in all these deals (General Manager A.J. Preller) will be trying to get as much as possible.”

NL scout: “Having a poor offensive season and most contenders already have a catcher who’s helped them get into the playoff race. Lot of people don’t like the idea of adding someone mid-season who’ll impact a pitching staff in terms of game-calling. Limited market at best.”

Outfielder Matt Kemp

NL scout: “That is a lot of money through 2019, and he certainly isn’t that player anymore. Going to be really tough for the Padres to expect someone to take on that contract and his arthritic condition.”

Outfielder Melvin Upton Jr.

AL scout: “Upton and Kemp are dead weight unless ownership wants to eat the majority of money owed like they did with Shields. Both tease you but aren’t winning players.”


NL scout: “Not a difference-maker, poor track record, tough to get excited about and making way too much money. It’s a bad deal and not sure there’s enough for the Padres to pay down the contract in order to make him attractive.”

Left-hander Drew Pomeranz

AL scout: “Pomeranz seems like someone they might want to try and hang on to unless blown away by an offer. Affordable left-handed starters are few and far between. Doubt (Preller) can pick anyone’s pockets with him, though.”

NL scout: “Never thought he’d be a potential trade target this year, and Padres will get a limited return due to his expected contribution and lack of solid track record. Unless you think he’s a third starter, it’s tough to move much in return for a guy like this.”

First baseman Wil Myers

AL scout: “Another guy I’d hold on to that is controllable and cheap and could be a big piece of the puzzle. Unless someone knocks their socks off with an offer.”


NL scout: “Lot of people are lukewarm about this guy across the game, and the Padres need to be realistic about his value at the deadline. They’ll have some interest because he can play first base or the outfield, but I think they’ll ask too much in return and get pushback.”

Infielder Yangervis Solarte

NL scout: “Limited market due to his lengthy stay on the DL and his expected contribution. They’ll be able to move him, but won’t get much in return. He’s a utility guy on a good team, not a starter.”