Report: Orioles, Padres discussing Melvin Upton for Ubaldo Jimenez

The Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres are discussing a potential blockbuster trade on Friday, according to reports. 

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the teams are forming a trade that would send outfielder Melvin Upton Jr. to Baltimore in exchange for starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez. 

The trade, according to Rosenthal, is not yet close. The Padres, who would save money in the trade by dumping Upton's contract, also want a prospect from Baltimore. It appears that things still have to be ironed out before a deal gets completed. 

The 31-year-old Upton is enjoying a bounce-back year in San Diego. He is hitting .260/.309/.448 with 16 home runs and 44 RBI in 365 plate appearances, posting a 1.6 fWAR, making him a valuable option in Baltimore's outfield if he ultimately gets traded.

For the Padres, trading Upton would result in huge payroll savings, as he's signed through 2017 and is expected to make $16.45 million next season. 

At the moment, the Orioles need some help in left field, where Julio Borbon is currently positioned. He has a career 76 wRC+. 

As for Jimenez, the 32-year-old has had a tough year. He's 5-9 with a 7.38 ERA and a 72 to 50 strikeout-to-walk ratio (4.89 FIP) in 81 2/3 innings pitched (18 games; 17 starts). Jimenez, an All-Star when he was with the Rockies in 2010, is signed through 2017 and will make $13.5 million next year. 

It seems possible that the Padres could get cash relief to help pay for Jimenez's contract to further the savings that they will create in this trade.

Stay tuned as the story develops.  

--Devan Fink 

---