NL West: Recent Offseason Moves

Photo Credit: Associated Press

It looks like the NL West division race will be even tighter next year as the San Diego Padres are in serious win-now mode.  After acquiring star outfielder Matt Kemp and power bat Will Myers last week, the Padres acquired former Rookie of the Year Justin Upton from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for prospects Max Fried, Jace Peterson, Dustin Peterson, and Mallex Smith. The night before.the Padres acquired All-Star Catcher Derek Norris from the Oakland Athletics. In about two weeks the Padres have acquired four potential starters on their team, something they have struggled to do over the past few seasons. The Padres are in good shape to be a winning team this upcoming season.

Meanwhile up north, the San Francisco Giants have struggled to make any moves this offseason, but that ended yesterday.  The Giants have found their replacement for starting third basemen Pablo Sandoval in the ex-Marlin Casey McGehee. The deal consisted of McGehee being sent to San Francisco in exchange for low-level prospect pitchers Kendry Flores and Luis Castillo. McGehee finished this season with a .287/.355/.357 batting line, but hitting just four home runs and 76 RBI in his plate appearances.

The NL West division is something to keep an eye on for the duration of this offseason; these moves will likely make or break some of these teams.