Matt Johnson
The San Diego Padres entered the weekend with a 4-6 record in their last 10 games, but they still have one of the best records in the National League. With the MLB trade deadline just over a month out, San Diego is reportedly willing to be aggressive to upgrade one key spot in its lineup.
Previewing the MLB trade deadline, The Athletic‘s Jim Bowden reports that the Padres’ front office is aware it needs to add another bat this summer and the focus is on a left fielder. More importantly, San Diego now “might be willing” to trade some of its top prospects to facilitate a deal.
Related: MLB insider sheds light on Padres’ approach to MLB trade deadline
- San Diego Padres lineup stats (ESPN): 280 runs scored (22nd), .246 batting average (16th), .314 OBP (17th), .373 slugging (24th)
The lack of production in left field is the biggest issue with the Padres’ lineup this season. Manny Machado (.885 OPS), Fernando Tatis Jr (.808 OPS) and Jackson Merrill (.451 SLG) are having very productive seasons, but San Diego’s left fielders have put a hole in the batting order.
Among the potential MLB trade candidates this summer, Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran, Miami Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers (.810 OPS) and Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward (.730 OPS) and Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr (.742 OPS) stand out as potential options.
Related: Padres eyeing trade for All-Star outfielder
- San Diego Padres left fielders (FanGraphs): 48 wRC+ (29th in MLB), .196 batting average (28th in MLB), .507 OPS (last in MLB), -1.0 fWAR (29th in MLB)
Duran, an All-Star selection in 2024, is certainly the most appealing as he’s under club control through 2028 on a team-friendly contract. However, Boston is prioritizing quality starting pitching for him. If a deal were to happen, it might require a three-team trade with several of the Padres top prospects going to a rebuilding team, with a starting pitcher such as Sandy Alcantara landing in Boston.
Even some of the Padres top prospects being available – Kash Mayfield, Humberto Cruz, Boston Bateman and Cobb Hightower – is an interesting development for San Diego. Just months ago, many around baseball raised questions about the club’s future due to a weakened farm system and bloated contracts. Now, the Padres are one of the best teams in baseball and are seemingly preparing to operate as aggressive buyers at the MLB trade deadline this summer.
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