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Report: Red Sox close to trading Middlebrooks to Padres for Hanigan

Nick Turchiaro / USA TODAY Sports

San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller is on the verge of his second trade of the day, third in the last 24 hours, and fourth this week. 

His latest move: acquiring third baseman Will Middlebrooks from the Boston Red Sox.

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports is reporting the two clubs are nearing a trade that would send Middlebrooks to the Padres in exchange for catcher Ryan Hanigan. News of the potential deal broke just moments after the Padres reportedly traded for Atlanta Braves slugger Justin Upton.

Related: Braves trade Justin Upton to Padres in 6-player deal

There figures to be a delay in completing the deal due to the reported Wil Myers trade, which was officially announced Friday. Hanigan is one of the pieces the Padres are set to acquire from the Tampa Bay Rays.

Middlebrooks, 26, fell out of favor in Boston after an impressive 2012 debut that saw him club 15 homers in 75 games. Injuries and inconsistency, however, slowed his production to a halt over the last two years, resulting in frequent demotions and a loss in playing time. He owns a .213 average and .265 on-base percentage since the beginning of 2013.

Middlebrooks' fate was sealed after the Red Sox signed free-agent Pablo Sandoval to occupy the hot corner in Boston. Despite his well-documented struggles and stifled development, the move represents another buy-low acquisition by Preller.

The 6-foot-3 third baseman hit 19 homers and 28 doubles over his last 157 games and figures to compete for a position left depleted after the Padres dealt Chase Headey to the New York Yankees last season.

Hanigan, meanwhile, would provide the Red Sox much-needed depth behind the plate. The 34-year-old veteran hits lefties well - evidenced by his career .762 OPS against southpaws - and is considered an above-average defender.

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