Phillies Rumors: Padres Eyeing Third Baseman Maikel Franco

By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

With third baseman Maikel Franco heating up at the plate — slashing .412/.444/.647 over his last five games with five singles, one double, one home run and five RBI — it appears at least one team is drawing interest in the Dominican Republic native ahead of next month's non-waiver trade deadline.

The San Diego Padres, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, are reportedly interested to acquire the five-year veteran.

"For a deal to happen, the Phillies would need to acquire someone else to play short or third. Scott Kingery currently is at shortstop, as J.P. Crawford recovers from a fractured left hand," Rosenthal said. "The Phils undoubtedly would add to Franco to get one of the Padres' top relievers, while the Padres would be gambling on Franco returning to form, knowing he has three more years of control. After a strong April, the Pads' Christian Villanueva has cratered offensively. "

The Padres sit in last place in the National League West, 9 1/2 games behind the division-leading Arizona Diamondbacks. Some of their top relievers the Phillies could target in a trade involving Franco include: southpaw closer Brad Hand (35 games, 2.37 ERA), Kirby Yates (31 games, 0.90 ERA) and Craig Stammen (32 games, 2.02 ERA).

The Franco-to-San Diego rumor comes just four days after The Athletic's Jim Bowden discussed the Phillies were targeting either Adrian Beltre, Manny Machado, Mike Moustakas or Josh Donaldson to replace him at the hot corner.

Read: Phillies Brass Ties to Orioles Could Generate Machado, Britton Blockbuster

If Franco were dealt to San Diego, he would reunite with his former teammate with the Phillies from 2014-2017, shortstop Freddy Galvis. The Phillies dealt Galvis out west this past winter in exchange for minor-league RHP Enyel De Los Santos.

In 64 games overall this season, Franco is slashing .255/.297/.425 with seven doubles, one triple, nine home runs and 37 RBI.