Does No-Trade really mean no-trade? The Padres have three players with no trade clauses and long-term contracts: Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, and Fernando Tatis Jr.

A no trade clause offers players stability and a guarantee against being moved to a team or city they would not like. Will a player want to continue to stay when not wanted?

When an opportunity to make a trade is presented, a no trade clause may prevent it.

In 2022, Eric Hosmer’s limited trade clause allowed him to be traded to a list of several teams, but the last place Washington Nationals was not one of them.

This nearly prevented the Padres from getting Juan Soto in the trade.  Hosmer refused to be traded to the Nationals but agreed to go to the Boston Red Sox in another trade.

Originally part of the deal to the Washington Nationals to land Juan Soto in 2022, but refused to go to Washington even after Peter Seidler, the Padres owner, offered Eric Hosmer more cash to waive it.

In 2002, Phil Nevin used his no trade clause to block being traded for Ken Griffey, Jr. Having settled in San Diego and wanting to be near his family, Nevin refused to go to Cincinnati, but three years later he accepted a trade to the Texas Rangers.

Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts and Fernando Tatis will not be moved without their consent, thus limiting the Padres’ future flexibility, but ensuring they stay in San Diego on their terms.