MLB Insider Dubs Padres Potential Trade Destination for Rising Outfielder

The San Diego Padres have found a way to keep winning ball games despite losing Fernando Tatis Jr and now Manny Machado to injuries. The coveted NL West divisional title is in reach for the Padres, so discovering a few missing pieces at the trade deadline could prove to be crucial to their success.

MLB insider Mark Feinsand expects San Diego to be in search of an upgrade at the center fielder position. Ian Happ of the Chicago Cubs fits the mold of a potential target considering he is earning an affordable $6.85 million in 2022 and remains eligible for arbitration for one more season.

Checking in on the @MLB trade market, where these eight players’ stock is rising with five weeks until the deadline: https://t.co/eCjNvoVd8p
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) June 27, 2022

San Diego Padres Trade Rumors

Happ has flown under the radar thanks to the attention Cubs' catcher Willson Contreras is garnering. The 28-year-old has been on fire in the month of June, though, slashing .349/.430/.593 over his last 24 games played. Happ's mark of 16 doubles is also only four off his career-high set just last season.

The Padres' outfield is simply lacking depth right now. Trent Grisham is day-to-day with a shoulder injury and veteran Wil Myers remains on the injured list. Trotting out a combination of rookie Jose Azocar (57 career games) and Nomar Mazara (.256 career batting average) is not the best option.

Reports suggest some squads view Happ as more than just a rental, which means the Padres could have to pay a more expensive price to acquire him. San Diego is a team to keep an eye on throughout July and currently has odds set at +1300 to win the World Series, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

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Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.