MLB Rumors: Padres Looking To Address Centerfield Void, Target Former Golden Glove Awardee

The San Diego Padres could be adding another All-Star in the mix--with reports that the team is maintaining a certain level of interest in Joey Gallo.

The highly-touted slugger could be a sensible addition as the Padres look to fill in a hole in centerfield.

According to The Athletic, the Padres are “particularly interested” in the 2020 Golden Glove winner.

He is someone familiar to Padres general manager A.J. Preller and field manager Jayce Tingler from their time in Texas.

Gallo is expected to be among the top names in the market, a scenario he was in last season.

Judging by his performance this season, it is not hard to figure out why. The 27-year-old has hit .207/.365/.389 (113 OPS+) with 10 home runs and four stolen bases in his first 58 games this MLB season.

In his career, Gallo is a .208/.331/.486 (112 OPS+) hitter who has accumulated 130 homers and 24 steals.

But beyond the numbers, it will be Gallo experience that would be of interest to the Padres.

San Diego is struggling with Trent Grisham out of action due to a heel contusion. They are now left to rely on Jurickson Profar, and a need to address the position is a must.

Should they succeed in luring Gallo, Profar can return to his super-utility role.

Assuming that Grisham can return at some point this season, San Diego may end up with a surplus of outfielders.

Tommy Pham and Wil Myers have missed some games this season, and a logical move would be to deal away one of them.

Of the two, Pham appears to be the logical choice to be dealt out because he is making more than Gallo.

The thing here is that the Padres would have to make room for Gallo to join the team.

It remains to be seen who San Diego would let go. But this early, the only name unlikely to be moved is rising star CJ Abrams.

The Padres are currently running second in the National League West behind the San Francisco Giants with a 37-25 record.