Joaquin Benoit (RP, SD) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Stash in Deeper Leagues

OWNED IN: 14% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: The San Diego Padres have been at the center of big name trade talks before Friday's trade deadline, and the leaders of San Diego's bullpen Craig Kimbrel and Joaquin Benoit are being mentioned by many buyers this week.

Benoit has earned the attention he has been receiving by posting a 2.27 ERA, 0.847 WHIP, 8.0 K/9, 17 holds, and a 157 ERA+ so far in 2015. Benoit has only allowed opposing batters to hit for a .142 BA and a .519 OPS on the season, and has been especially good in the pitcher friendly confines of Petco by allowing opponents a .396 OPS on the season.

The trade deadline for Benoit is a Win-Win. If he gets traded to a potential contender, he could end up with even more chances for holds and could potentially become the closer. If Kimbrel is traded and Benoit remains with the Padres, Benoit is the obvious choice to receive all save opportunities in San Diego. Don't wait until Friday to find out, as Benoit could see his value take a leap this week and could see his dominant pitching be rewarded with more holds or saves.