Myers, Padres share mutual interest in long-term deal

Wil Myers has been with three clubs since being drafted in 2009, but he appears to have finally found a place to call home.

A strong candidate for Comeback Player of the Year, the San Diego Padres first baseman made it clear Friday that he wants to be with his current team for years to come.

"I love being here," Myers told The San Diego Tribune's Dennis Lin. "I do really, truly believe that (general manager) A.J. Preller has a plan for the future, and that's a big deal when it comes to extension talks.

"I love everything about (manager) Andy Green, what he's done here. I think he's going to be a great manager. As far as being here long term, I could see myself doing it. I could see trying to build something here."

In his first full year with the Padres, Myers is batting .286/.351/.522 with 19 homers and 16 RBIs, and was named to his first All-Star Game.

The former Rookie of the Year also participated in the Home Run Derby at Petco Park, and although it doesn't look like extension talks will begin until the end of the season, the Padres seem keen on keeping him around, too.

"You need guys like that if you're going to be successful as a franchise," Preller said. "He's a guy that can impact the game, can change the game, and those are the kind of guys we're trying to get here long term."

The Padres have already dealt established big leaguers James Shields, Fernando Rodney, and Drew Pomeranz this season.