The Padres Are Replacement Level In Left Field, Here Are Three Trade Candidates To Target

[Greg Spicer]

The MLB trade deadline is approaching, and teams are deciding if it’s time to buy or sell. The Padres, who sit seven games over .500 before Friday night's action, are certainly looking to add to their roster and get into the postseason. 

The good news for San Diego is that their needs are clear. The lineup has two glaring weaknesses at catcher and left field. For this analysis, we’re going to focus on the Padres' trade options in the outfield.

On the season, the Padres' left field stats rank near the bottom of MLB. Their combined wRC+ is 80 (25th in MLB), along with a -0.1 FanGraph WAR (25th) and -20 FanGraphs Offensive Value (28th). If San Diego can upgrade this position to even a mediocre extent, it can be the difference between a postseason run and no postseason at all. 

Considering they have one of the most aggressive front offices in baseball, Padres fans are expecting big changes to be made. Each of the last few deadlines (minus a painful 2023), San Diego has come away with flaming hot talent. It’s time they slightly alter their approach. They need to start making an effort to buy low on high-impact players.  

The last few notable midseason moves the Padres made haven’t aged well. Here are the all-star players they have added since 2021: 

• Adam Frazier
• Juan Soto
• Josh Bell
• Josh Hader
• Luis Arraez 
• Tanner Scott

There are a couple of common themes in these deals. First of all, none of the players performed at the same level as when they were acquired. Second, they were all acquired at a high price, as the Padres traded for them when they were near the peak of their value. They have already given away a bunch of future star players in these trades. Ultimately, none of these players proved to be long-term fits. Only Arraez is still here, and while solid, he isn’t an offensive backbone. 

The Padres have to stop over-dealing their farm system at the trade deadline. Here are some names that fit the bill. 

Adolis Garcia

Age 32 / Bat-Right / 2 YR-$14 Million Contract / Arbitration in 2026 / Free Agent in 2027
2025 Stats- .230/.273/.395 Slash / 84 wRC+ / 13 HR / 10 SB

Garcia would be great for this Padres lineup because of the tools he possesses. Despite having his second “down year” in a row, he is still close to a 20/20 (HR/SB) season. He is also regaining some defensive ability with a 0.7 FanGraph Defensive WAR (up from his -20 mark in 2024). 

There are some question marks about an offensive turnaround from Garcia. His BABIP is solid at .275, and his walk rate is extremely low at 5.2%, especially compared to his 26% strikeout rate. While these numbers dampen the hope of a stunning comeback, Garcia should still be a target for the Padres. At just $7 million a year, San Diego can get a two-time All-Star who, even at his worst, is still a massive upgrade to the outfield. The dynamic power/running abilities, combined with his championship experience from the 2023 Rangers, make him a gamble worth taking. 

---

Bryan Reynolds

Age 30 / Bat-Right / 8 YR-$106.75 Million Contract / Club Option In 2031
2025 Stats- .229/.288/.372 Slash / 81 wRC+ / 10 HR / 3 SB

Reynolds would be a similar move to Garcia in terms of buying low on a star player, but there would also be a more dramatic risk/reward. He has a more consistent history than Garcia. 2025 could be just his first full MLB season with a wRC+ under 100, and he has been a staple in the middle of the Pirates' lineup for years. With that said, he doesn't have the natural power/speed combo that makes him valuable even in his worst stretches. If this were to be a worthwhile move for San Diego, Reynolds would have to bounce back. 

The gamble could be an amazing one if it works, though. Reynolds makes just $13.3 million a year, which is a steal given his 116 career wRC+. 

Projecting Reynolds' chances of bouncing back is difficult because he has always relied on a high BABIP. At .298 in 2025, you can’t ask for much more from the baseball gods, but it’s still the lowest of his career. If he’s got more .310+ BABIP left in the tank, then the Padres will be getting one of the best outfielders in the sport until 2031. If not, then Reynolds’ run of luck is likely coming to an end. 

---

Taylor Ward

Age 31 / Bat-Left / 1 YR-$7.75 Million Contract / Arbitration in 2026 / Free Agent in 2027
2025 Stats- .233/.305/.492 Slash / 116wRC+ / 23 HR / 2 SB

Finally, a player not having the worst season of their career! Ward brings a more popping bat into the mix, whom the Padres can still buy low on. At just over $7 million a year, Ward continues our trend of affordable talent while bringing in better 2025 production. The Angels aren’t looking poised to get into the postseason, and grabbing value for Ward while they can should be a priority in Anaheim. 

The reason San Diego can buy low here is because of Ward’s hitting splits. Despite the high wRC+, he is having a career-low season in batting average and on-base percentage. This may allow some affordability in negotiations. 

Ward’s power surge is what’s carrying his production in 2025. Due to a 3% launch angle increase, he is on pace for 40 home runs. He isn’t worth another top 100 prospect in my opinion, but San Diego has to try and get him for the right price.  

---

Marcell Ozuna, DH

Age 34 / Bat-Right / 5 YR-$80 Million Contract / Free Agent in 2026
2025 Stats- .235/.361/.390 Slash/ 115 wRC+ / 13 HR / 0 SB

If the front office wants to mix things up, it should kill two birds with one stone and acquire Ozuna from the Braves. Although he is a designated hitter, the move will place Gavin Sheets in left field, promptly upgrading San Diego at both positions. We are going to try to remain positive, so instead of detailing the defensive concerns that come with Sheets playing left field, let's look at the production Ozuna would bring. 

Even in his down year (lowest wRC+ since 2022), Ozuna is still a strong bat. He brings 30+ home run power with a pedigree of success that upgrades the entire lineup. He also has a career-high walk rate (16.2%) in 2025. With the Braves 12 games under .500 and Ozuna on the final year of his contract, he will likely be moved. If he ends up being a similar cost to other options, this could be the choice that maximizes offensive improvement. 

These are the four names that fit the mold of an ideal deadline approach. No more overpaying for short-term superstars. Instead, let’s hold onto the future and buy low for guys who will likely end up being just as productive as the hottest names. 

View full article