Padres focused on Zack Cozart, Freddy Galvis

The Padres are focused on acquiring either free agent Zack Cozart or Phillies’ Freddy Galvis, according to Scott Miller of Bleacher Report.

Not only are the Padres looking to acquire one of these two shortstops, but Miller reports that it is of a higher priority to general manager A.J. Preller and the Padres than signing Eric Hosmer at this time, who the club has been linked to for a few weeks. The Padres first expressed interest in Galvis just over a week, but the Phillies are by no means pressed to trading the 28-year-old infielder who is under team control through through next season.

Galvis epitomized durability in 2017, playing in all 162 games hitting to a .255/.309/.382 clip with 12 dingers, 61 RBIs, 29 doubles, and six triples to go along with 15 steals. Despite the Phils’ increasing desire to get J.P. Crawford more playing time, they are not actively shopping Galvis, though they are certainly fielding offers, most notably from the Padres.

As for Cozart, the first time All-Star in 2017 had a career year hitting .297/.385/.548 with 24 home runs, 63 RBIs, 24 doubles, and seven triples. His slash line was much higher than his career averages, which is why he may not command a highly expensive contract as a free agent.

The Padres upgraded at third base earlier this morning when they acquired Chase Headley along with right-hander Bryan Mitchell from the Yankees. Preller reportedly has a list of eight or nine shortstops that they have on their current radar with Cozart and Galvis near the top, and the club is confident they will land a shortstop before the Winter Meetings wrap up. There is speculation that if they are unable to sign Cozart and are forced to make a trade, they may be willing to trade a young pitcher in exchange for a shortstop.