Padres News: Expert Suggests Friars Trade for this Veteran Outfielder to Solve RISP Issues

Friars apparently need more help in getting runs across

The San Diego Padres, a team with high expectations and a roster filled with superstar players and sluggers, have been struggling to find their footing in the early part of the season. While they may not be as far back as their play suggests, it has become frustrating for fans to watch a team that was supposed to dominate. One of the major factors contributing to the Padres' struggles is their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, particularly with runners in scoring position.

It's mind-boggling to witness a team with such talent struggle to bring their teammates home when they have the chance. The Padres are in desperate need of someone who can consistently deliver in clutch situations.

MLB expert for Bleacher Report Kerry Miller listed several contenders who are still in need of help, and he suggested that the Friars should focus on acquiring a player who excels at hitting with runners in scoring position.

In the "runner on third, less than two outs" department, the Padres rank dead last in the majors with a 34.7 percent success rate. And with runners in scoring position, they have an abysmal triple-slash of .186/.287/.316. They're also slugging .237 in 45 plate appearances with the bases loaded—no grand slams—which is about as wasteful as it gets.

If only it were as simple as going out and trading for a clutch hitter.Doing anything to improve the hitting could be huge, though.

You can get by with one black hole in the lineup, especially if he's providing a lot of value on defense. Three black holes, however, is too much to overcome, putting too much strain on the big four of Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., Xander Bogaerts and Manny Machado to deliver every single night—which they really have not done thus far. Maybe they could bring in Randal Grichuk from Colorado. The 31-year-old impending free agent is having a career year in terms of batting average, and he has never hit below .230 in a season.

At this point, it's becoming apparent that the current lineup isn't getting the job done. The Padres cannot afford to waste any more time and must explore the trading route as it could be their best and perhaps their only option. The season is already over 50 games in, and if this is an accurate representation of who the Padres are, they need to take action as soon as they can. 

With the trade deadline approaching, they have an opportunity to make a move that could provide the spark they desperately need. Time is of the essence for San Diego, and we'll see if they can fix it internally or if they need to complete a trade for one.