Padres start roster shuffle

The Padres began the process that everyone has been waiting for. The offseason roster shuffle that fans speculated on in August/September is finally here. Halloween brought the following moves.

• Brett Kennedy outrighted to El Paso.
• Robert Stock released and claimed off waivers by Philadelphia.
• Robbie Erlin outrighted and elected free agency.
• Adam Warren option declined.
• Aaron Loup option declined.
• Travis Jankowski traded to Cincinnati for International bonus pool money.
• “Cardiac Craig” Stammen is also a free agent.

There are additional moves that need to be made by Monday’s deadline. It’ll be interesting to see what happens, but expect a flurry of trades.

Options for trade of release

Austin Allen or Luis Torrens

The team seems locked in on a Francisco Mejia/Austin Hedges combo for the time being. Hedges handles the pitching staff well, while Mejia can hit. Mejia did show improvement behind the dish towards the end of the season. It’s not unreasonable for Allen and/or Torrens to be on the move in a package for an established Major Leaguer.

Eric Yardley

The 29 year old made his debut last year after 6.5 seasons in the minors. The team may outright him to El Paso in hopes he’ll accept the assignment. He’s been in the organization since 2013.

Carl Edwards Jr.

Edwards came over in a swap of underperforming bullpen pieces. While Brad Wieck went to Chicago and pitched pretty darn well, Edwards Jr. came to San Diego appearing to throw beach balls in his 2 outings. He’s likely to be released.

Nick Margevicius

Margevicius was an early feel good story last year before the wheels started coming off. The soft tossing lefty projects as a back end rotation arm or long reliever. He won’t be released, but he could very well be moved.

Jacob Nix

The once promising prospect spent all of last season on the IL. Unfortunately, his run in with the law last month was embarrassing for both himself and the organization. He has value, so a trade is more likely than an outright.

Additional moves can and will be made. The entire bullpen (outside of Kirby Yates) is considered expendable at this point. Preller will likely move pieces around to rebuild what was an absolute mess of a staff in 2019.