Padres GM on trade deadline: 'We've got to improve a lot of areas'
The San Diego Padres general manger A.J. Preller is at an impasse.
After a vigorous offseason that saw the rookie executive extensively rework his roster, the Padres have disappointed through the first half of the season and find themselves 8.5 games back of a postseason spot.
With a number of veteran players set to hit free agency at the end of the season, the Padres could opt to become sellers, though Preller remains non-committal with the non-waiver deadline looming.
| Pos. | Player | 2015 Salary | Free Agent |
|---|---|---|---|
| OF | Justin Upton | $14.7M | 2016 |
| SP | Ian Kennedy | $9.85M | 2016 |
| OF | Will Venable | $4.25M | 2016 |
| IF | Clint Barmes | $1.3M | 2016 |
| RP | Joaquin Benoit | $8M | 2016 |
| SP | Andrew Cashner | $4M | 2017 |
"We've got a lot of our scouting group on the road, seeing players we could add to the mix," Preller told Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune. "Then we're also considering situations where we kind of change the look of the club a little bit. ... The biggest thing we preach to our scouts is to just be prepared for all different scenarios."
Preller showcased his aggressive style over the winter and acknowledged that there are a number of areas in which he would like to improve the team.
"I still think that this team, especially the way we've pitched the last few weeks, you could make the case that we're going to get to the finish line in a way that can be competitive," Preller said.
"I think we have some components that can help us get there. We've got to improve a lot of areas; we need a more consistent offensive approach and attack. ... I think in a lot of ways the team will tell us as we get going, and I think we get a better sense of where we stand in the next 10 days, two weeks."