Padres reportedly in talks with Ian Desmond

Padres general manager A.J. Preller learned his lesson last offseason when he shopped ’til he dropped on the free agent market. Ironically, he then witnessed the team actually drop (in the standings) as their mismatched roster of big-name talent largely failed to come together. Now he appears to be targeting more cost-effective, slightly lower-tier contributors, namely free agent shortstop Ian Desmond.

According to a report by Jon Morosi of FOX Sports on Sunday, the Padres are having ongoing discussions with Desmond’s camp, though no deal is imminent at this time.

Desmond batted .233/.290/.384 for the Nationals last season with 19 home runs, 62 RBIs, 13 stolen bases, and 187 strikeouts. The Padres may be hesitant to add another high-strikeout, low-OBP guy to a team already full of them, especially one who projects as an average to below-average defender. But Desmond’s power is rare for a middle infielder, and the San Diego lineup could use his added pop.

It’s unclear though if the 30-year-old Desmond is willing to give up his Natitude card this easily.

Image Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

H/T Rotoworld