Colorado Rockies: Could the San Diego Padres still be in the market for Trevor Story?

The San Diego Padres traded for Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Adam Frazier on Sunday to help out their offense. As a result, the Padres will field an infield of 2021 All-Stars (Frazier, Fernando Tatis, Jr., Jake Cronenworth, and Manny Machado). Frazier will primarily play second base and Cronenworth will slide over from second to first, taking over for Eric Hosmer, who has been the weakest of the four players.

Frazier can also play a bit of outfield as well (158 MLB games in the outfield), which will help out the Padres versatility as well.

However, Buster Olney of ESPN reported (after the trade was reported by Olney’s colleague Jeff Passan) that the San Diego Padres were the team (or at least one of the teams) that was interested in Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story … but to play center field.

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Could the San Diego Padres still be interested in Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story?

First off, it’s a bit surprising that the Padres were interested in Story because, barring injury, Fernando Tatis, Jr. would be playing shortstop every day. Sure, Story could have played second base, like Frazier is going to but to acquire one of the best shortstops in baseball when you, arguably, have the best shortstop in baseball is odd. Hence, the desire to put Story in center field.

Padres center fielders haven’t been phenomenal (89 wRC+) but that is in the top half of center field offense in baseball (14th).

Their primary center fielder, Trent Grisham, has also played well on the season overall but he was injured for three weeks between May and June. Since his return, he has struggled as he has hit .221 with an OPS of .712 (he hit .301 with a .898 OPS prior to the injury).

So will the San Diego Padres still be interested in Trevor Story after the Frazier deal? Probably not, especially considering the asking price that the Colorado Rockies have for Story. On top of that, it may be even higher since the Padres are in the same division as the Rockies.