MLB Trade Rumors: Padres Quentin Most Sought-After Hitter?

San Diego Padres outfielder Carlos Quentin could be the most sought-after hitter on the trade market, reports Buster Olney of ESPN. Olney believes Quentin would theoretically fit well in the lineups of a lot of contenders including the Cincinnati Reds, Tampa Bay Rays, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, Pittsburgh Pirates and Miami Marlins.

Olney reports the Padres could look to sign Quentin to an extension, but they may also look to cash in the slugger this summer. San Diego acquired Quentin from the Chicago White Sox this winter.

General managers don’t expect there to be a lot of frontline hitters available come deadline time, according to Olney, though he believes Quentin fits that bill.

Since being activated from the disabled list and joining the Padres lineup on May 28, Quentin has been on fire. Over his six games and 23 at-bats, Quentin has hit at a clip of .522/.577/.1.348 with five home runs, four doubles and nine RBIs.

Quentin has a history on going on offensive tears, and Olney believes the 29-year-old is capable of carrying a team for a month with his power. Olney does mention that some of the enthusiasm for Quentin will be mitigated due to his injury history.

Quentin is making $7.025 million this season and owns a career line of .255/.348/.499.