San Diego is one-stop shopping for contending teams in need of bullpen help, with closer Heath Bell and setup men Mike Adams and Chad Qualls rumored to be on the trading block.
Adams told Dan Hayes of the North County Times that he applied for a passport at the suggestion of his agent in case he’s traded to an American League team and has to travel to Toronto.
And the 32-year-old right-hander also said he’s more worried about how his wife would handle a trade:
Adams’ situation is particularly interesting because he’ll be the most desirable non-closer reliever being shopped prior to the July 31 trade deadline, but will take over as the Padres’ closer if he remains in San Diego and Bell is dealt. Depending on what happens he’s either a couple weeks from being on a new team or becoming much more well-known thanks to a role change with his old team.
Either way, with a 1.70 ERA, .177 opponents’ batting average, and 234 strikeouts in 212 career innings for the Padres he’s deserving of a lot more attention.