Report: Padres shopping Tyson Ross; looking to move Matt Kemp

The San Diego Padres have been one of the more active teams in the offseason so far.

They have already traded relievers Joaquin Benoit and Craig Kimbrel to the Mariners and Red Sox, respectively. This has led many to believe that San Diego is expecting to rebuild in 2016. 

However, the team has also shown interest in shortstop Ian Desmond, according to reports, and could make a play for him with money freed up from dealing Kimbrel. 

It appears that the team could be at a crossroads between rebuilding and contending for the future.

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Padres are shopping right-handed starter Tyson Ross and are also looking to move outfielder Matt Kemp in a trade. 

Rosenthal wonders aloud whether the Padres would consider dealing both at once, but notes that it would lessen their return at a time when they need to replenish their farm system badly. This would be similar to how they acquired both Craig Kimbrel and Melvin Upton Jr. before this season, taking Upton's salary. 

Ross, 28, would draw plenty of appeal from teams in need of starting pitching. 

He went 10-12 with a 3.26 ERA in 33 starts and 196 innings pitched this season, but posted a strong 212 to 84 strikeout-to-walk ratio, good for a 2.98 FIP. He was named a National League All-Star for the first time in his career in 2014. 

Also adding to Ross' appeal is his contract status. 

Ross isn't a free agent until after the 2017 season, and will be arbitration eligible over the next two years. MLBTradeRumors.com projects him to earn $10 million this season.

As for Kemp, teams won't be as interested in him due to his poor performance and large contract. 

In 2015, Kemp hit .265/.312/.443 with 23 home runs and 100 RBIs over 648 plate appearances. His 111 OPS+ was his worst since 2013. Kemp is signed through 2019 and will earn $87 million over the next four years, with $14 million being paid by the Dodgers. 

--Devan Fink

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