The Padres, as you know, have too many outfielders after the trades that brought Matt Kemp, Wil Myers and Justin Upton to San Diego. To clear space they'll have to move arguably one of their best hitters from the 2014 season and the most nondescript players on the roster in the form of Seth Smith.
Mariners Nearing Trade For Seth Smith – MLB Trade Rumors
Smith, 32, is coming off a strong season for San Diego in which he hit .266/.367/.440, and in July, the Padres’ previous management signed Smith to a two-year, $13MM extension with a club option for 2017.
There's been fan hopes recently that Smith's bat could some how fit in the lineup and in most cases the suggestions were to move a surplus outfielder to first base. That doesn't appear to be the Padres plan.
As Heyman states below the Padres are interested in acquiring a power arm in the rumored deal with the Mariners.
mariners have shown interest in seth smith, as @RyanDivish reported. padres seeking a power bullpen arm.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 30, 2014And that power arm is rumored to be Brandon Mauer:
The #Padres have been trying to get RHP Brandon Mauer from the #Mariners in trade talks involving OF Seth Smith.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 30, 2014The trade is coming soon.
Been brewing for awhile but hearing #Mariners are Very close to trade for Seth Smith.
— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) December 30, 2014I guess the current GM, A.J. Preller, doesn't feel beholden to a gentleman's not-trade agreement.
UPDATE:
Seth Smith for Brandon Maurer deal is done, source says.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 30, 2014