Padres trade rumors: Everything we know about Melvin Upton trade rumors

As of late Friday night, the Padres and Orioles were discussing a deal that would send Melvin Upton to Baltimore in exchange for Ubaldo Jimenez, according to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick and FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.

However, the Orioles appear to have prioritized starting pitching in advance of the deadline and are interested in adding impending free agent Andrew Cashner, according to Rosenthal. A deal for Cashner would be separate from one involving Upton, Rosenthal notes.

San Diego is asking for Jimenez and a prospect for Upton and at least two prospects for Cashner, according to Rosenthal.

While the Padres and Orioles were discussing a deal Friday, Toronto has also expressed interest in both Cashner and Upton, Rosenthal adds. The Padres are trying to get the maximize the return from one of the American League East rivals.

Although Upton signed an extensive contract, over 90 games this season, he’s batting .260/.309/.448 with 16 home runs and 44 RBIs. He is batting .259 since joining the Padres and is a career .245 hitter known for his power.

Cashner, 29, is drawing interest because of the few veteran starters expected to be available as the deadline approaches. Over 73.1 innings with the Padres this season, Cashner has pitched to a 4.79 ERA and 4.77 FIP.

Cashner hasn’t had much success since 2014, when he pitched to a 2.55 ERA and 3.09 FIP, but the Padres might be able to take advantage of the limited market for starting pitching.

San Francisco has checked in on Cashner, according to FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman, and the Indians have discussed adding Upton, per ESPN’s Buster Olney.

Since the interest in both Upton and Cashner has seemingly increased this week, the Padres might be hesitant to move either of them more than a week before the non-waiver trade deadline.