The MLB season just started with Opening Day, but the trade rumors are already starting, as reports have the San Diego Padres looking at the shortstop market and names like Starlin Castro, Elvis Andrus and Troy Tulowitzki could be potential options with the Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers and Colorado Rockies as the season goes on.
UPDATE: "Jon Morosi @jonmorosi#Cubs have discussed Starlin Castro with #Padres, sources tell @Ken_Rosenthal and me. Cubs have inquired on San Diego starting pitchers."
According to USA Today reporter Bob Nightengale on Twitter, the Padres are looking at shortstops on the market, as they feel that is the weakest spot on the roster this year. The outfield as a ton of depth after the moves the team made this offseason and with Alexi Amarista and Clint Barmes as the main options, GM A.J. Preller would like to upgrade.
Preller has been very active this offseason and the Padres have changed up their team as much as anyone in baseball. Preller surprised everyone with the deal for Kimbrel and that is why it would not be crazy to see him make another move soon. According to Nightengale, the Cubs could be a potential option for the Padres, as the Cubs have a player in waiting in Addison Russell.
Last season the Cubs got Russell from the A's in the deal for Jeff Samardzija and now he could be the future shortstop. Castro is young, but he has been mentioned in trade rumors since last season and now he could be a target for the Padres. Nightengale also reports that the top names apart from Castro on the market likely include Elvis Andrus and Troy Tulowitzki. Those players may be too costly for the Padres, but they appear to be going all in on this season and could look at making the moves.
Nightengale wrote that the Cubs "love" Russell and that he is ready to come up to the majors, meaning they likely would listen to offers from the Padres. The Padres were the most active team in the offseason, as they made a number of trades and signings that dramatically reshaped the roster. The team added James Shields on a free agent deal and they also traded for Justin Upton, Matt Kemp and Will Myers to give the Padres a new outfield.
The team also made a huge splash before the opening game of the season, adding Craig Kimbrel and Melvin Upton, Jr. in a deal with the Braves after previously acquiring J. Upton from the team. The Padres are not the favorites in the NL West this season, as the Dodgers bring back a strong team, but many around baseball expect them to be in the postseason race.