The San Diego Padres have strong aspirations to become a superteam. Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and Jake Cronenworth aren't enough for them. They are looking for more star position players before the season rolls around.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Padres are looking to trade for Bryan Reynolds. The Pittsburgh Pirates' All-Star center fielder would be a massive upgrade for a San Diego outfield that could use some star power and just lost Tommy Pham in free agency. Reynolds is reportedly not taking his usual post with the other hitters during practice, according to Jason Mackey of the Post-Gazette.
Reynolds, a 2021 All-Star, posted a slash line of .302/.390/.522 across 159 games. The 27-year-old led the majors in triples last season with eight while adding 35 doubles and 24 home runs. He is a solid defender and a very well-rounded hitter, making him a terrific player to target. The Pirates may not give him so easily, as he is by far their best player heading into the season, but the Padres should certainly try to get him.
With Tatis injured and sidelined for at least a few months, the Padres could use another star bat to take his place and make his slide easier once he returns. San Diego is ready to trade starting pitching for upgrades, so they could entice Pittsburgh with any of their options.
The Padres posted a 79-83 record last season despite all the stars they have in the field and on the pitcher's mound like Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove and Blake Snell. Even with their young superstar's injury, they have to make more meaningful progress towards the playoffs. Reynolds would undoubtedly help with that.