Could Reds Outfielder Be Solution For Padres' 'Trade Market' Search?
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Drew VonScio is a Newsweek contributor based in Pittsburgh, PA. His focus is on MLB content. Drew has been with Newsweek since December 2024 and also works full-time at WTOV, a TV station in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a 2023 graduate of Bethany College (WV) and a 2024 graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. You can get in touch with Drew by emailing d.vonScio@newsweek.com.
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The San Diego Padres are searching for a new left fielder to help push them toward a National League West division title.
Jason Heyward was placed on the injured list on Saturday with an oblique strain, so now the Padres are rolling with a committee of several players in left field in his his absence.
As a result, the Padres now know they have a gap in the roster that needs to be addressed. General manager AJ Preller is reportedly working to make a deal, and Austin Hays from the Cincinnati Reds could be a target for him.
"The Padres have begun exploring the trade market for a left fielder," wrote Kevin Acee for the The San Diego Union-Tribune.
Hays has gotten off to an incredible start, as he's posting a slash line of .321/.361/.589 through his first 112 at-bats. The 29-year-old outfielder has been a spark for the Reds as they try to stay alive in the National League Central and wild card race.
With the Padres needing an outfielder and the Reds hanging on for dear life, Preller could get aggressive and look to pry Hays away from Cincinnati sooner rather than later. If the Reds slide anymore, it's a move they should make as Hays' value likely won't get any higher.
Hays is on a very team-friendly deal right now, making just $4 million for the Reds. The Padres would be on the hook for the remainder of that, plus a potential $12 million option next year. Unless Hays continues to hit over .300, that option is almost a guarantee to be bought out for $1 million.
Hays would be a strong option for the Padres to pursue, especially if Heyward's oblique strain lingers longer than originally expected.
More MLB: Red Sox Trade Idea Ships Out $3.75 Million All-Star to Call Up Roman Anthony