Padres Linked To Pair Of Young Outfielders As Possible Trade Candidates

It sounds like the Padres are looking to make a trade

Could the San Diego Padres complete another trade before the 2024 season begins?

San Diego completed arguably the largest trade of the offseason when the club dealt superstar slugger Juan Soto to the New York Yankees.

The Padres have been looking to add some help in the outfield since dealing Soto away both in free agency as well as in the trade market.

Two players the Padres have looked into acquiring are Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick, according to The Athletic's Dennis Lin. 

"Tatis has not ruled out future positional switches, but his range in right could give the Padres some defensive margin for error as they continue to pursue outfield acquisitions," Lin said. "Remaining free agents include Michael A. Taylor and Adam Duvall, both of whom can play center field. Outfielders who have come up in the Padres' trade discussions include the Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran and the Milwaukee Brewers' Sal Frelick, according to league sources. Both of those young players are controllable, relatively young, and, thus, likely difficult to acquire."

Landing either Duran or Frelick would make a lot of sense. Duran appeared in a career-high 102 games last season with Boston and took a major step forward. He finished the season with eight home runs, 40 RBIs, and slashed .295/.346/.482 while showing improved defensive play.

Frelick was selected in the first round of the 2021 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft and made his big league debut in 2023. Frelick is just 23 years old and appeared in 57 games last season with Milwaukee. 

It's unclear exactly what either Duran or Frelick would cost in a trade, but they would each fill a clear need on the Padres' roster as Opening Day in Korea is about a month away.