San Diego Padres Trade For 7-Year Veteran Outfielder

The San Diego Padres have made a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays to acquire outfielder Ben Gamel, adding depth to their roster.

While the specifics of the trade remain unknown, this move signifies the Padres' commitment to bolstering their team and remaining competitive in the 2023 season.

Gamel, a seasoned player with experience in over 2,200 at-bats and a career OPS of .786, brings solid offensive potential to the Padres' lineup.

#Rays traded OF Ben Gamel, who has been playing for AAA @DurhamBulls, to #Padres on Thursday, per transactions page on Rays website.

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 14, 2023

The acquisition of Gamel addresses the Padres' need for outfield depth following the designation of Nelson Cruz for assignment.

With Gamel's track record of playing in at least 111 games over the past two seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he provides valuable experience to the team. The trade could potentially serve as the catalyst for further roster changes as the Padres seek to turn their season around and make a push for the playoffs.

The San Diego Padres are acquiring outfielder Ben Gamel in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, according to sources familiar with the deal.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) July 14, 2023

As the Padres currently sit in fourth place in their division, this move demonstrates their determination to continue improving and pursuing success in the 2023 season.

By acquiring Gamel, the Padres aim to strengthen their roster and provide additional options for their outfield positions. With his left-handed presence off the bench and his offensive capabilities, Gamel has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to the Padres' lineup, further solidifying their pursuit of a playoff spot.

Over his seven-year career, Gamel holds a .253/.333/.385 triple-slash line, with 40 home runs, 198 RBIs, 21 stolen bases, and 259 runs scored across 679 games played. Photo Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports