Padres GM says Melvin Upton Jr. attracting trade interest

Melvin Upton Jr. has surprisingly resuscitated his career in 2016 to the point where he’s attracting trade interest from other teams.

According to Padres general manager A.J. Preller, teams view Upton as a potential 30 homer-30 steal player.

Melvin Upton is "opening eyes'' with his play, #Padres GM AJ Preller says, and is attracting trade interest as a potential 30-30 player.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 17, 2016

Upton’s career appeared to be slipping away not long ago, as he hit just .198 during two ill-fated seasons in Atlanta. Since being traded to San Diego as little more than a contract to sweeten the Craig Kimbrel deal, however, he’s been closer to the player he was in Tampa Bay. He’s homered 16 times and stolen 20 bases in 2016, and could actually be a useful addition for someone, though he is owed over $16 million next season.

Upton may not be the only slugger leaving San Diego after a disappointing season.