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    Trade and free agent rumors posted here.

    55 rumors in this category

      Brock Beauchamp

      Life is never boring with AJ Preller as your favorite team's president of baseball operations. MLB Network recently reported that Preller is once again going big-game hunting, though it's questionable how much ammunition he has to bring along this time around.

      Reports out of Nashville suggest the Padres are at least listening on veterans like Nick Pivetta while gauging interest in other pricey pieces, even if a major teardown remains unlikely. With payroll tight and the farm thinned out, any blockbuster would likely involve some creative thinking. 

      A decade into his tenure, Preller’s résumé is defined by blockbuster trades. The most famous is the 2022 deadline blockbuster for Juan Soto and Josh Bell, a move that cost a haul of prospects but helped power San Diego’s run to the NLCS. He doubled down on pitching by landing Blake Snell from Tampa Bay, Yu Darvish from the Cubs, and Joe Musgrove from the Pirates in a rapid-fire series of deals that signaled an all-in push around Manny Machado. Preller has also aggressively overhauled the bullpen, sending prospects to Milwaukee for Josh Hader. This past deadline, he once again emptied the farm to bring in flamethrower reliever Mason Miller.

      Brock Beauchamp

      Writing for the San Diego Union-Tribune, Kevin Acee reports that Padres' president of baseball operations, AJ Preller, isn't looking to trade some of the team's high-end relief pitching to fill other holes on the 2026 roster.

      The 2026 Padres bullpen currently projects to look similar to 2025, minus closer Robert Suarez. Adrian Morejon threw 73 2/3 innings in relief with a 24.5 percent K%, 5.9 percent BB%, and 2.28 FIP. Robert Suarez logged 69 2/3 innings, posting a 27.9 percent K%, 5.9 percent BB%, and 2.88 FIP. Mason Miller added 23 1/3 innings with a 54.2 percent K%, 12.0 percent BB%, and 1.12 FIP. Jeremiah Estrada and Wandy Peralta combined for 143 1/3 innings with K% marks of 35.5 and 19.7 percent, respectively. Overall, Padres relievers produced a 25.8 percent K%, 9.6 percent BB%, 3.53 FIP, and 7.6 WAR over 609 innings in 2025.

      The 2025 Padres offense finished with a team line of .252/.321/.390 and a 102 wRC+ over 6,087 plate appearances, close to league average, but designated hitters combined for a .207/.273/.300 slash and 66 wRC+, placing San Diego among the weakest DH groups. Left field was approximately replacement level as well. Depth in the infield bench also lagged, with Jose Iglesias (.229/.298/.294, 73 wRC+) and Tyler Wade (.206/.309/.252, 69 wRC+) both below league-average production. For 2026, lineup questions center on upgrading the DH and left field, and on finding more offense from the catcher and reserve infield roles.

      Steve Drumwright

      There is a new name in the bidding to purchase the San Diego Padres.

      Tom Gores, the owner of the NBA's Detroit Pistons and minority owner of the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers, is leading a previously unreported group to purchase San Diego's MLB team, according to a report by The Athletic. The same report confirmed the leaders of the other three groups that are among the four finalists and matched previous speculation: Jose E. Feliciano, Dan Friedkin and Joe Lacob.

      The Athletic also confirmed previous reports that the Padres, owned by the Seidler family, are likely to fetch at least $3.5 billion in the sale, which would be a MLB record. Steve Cohen bought the New York Mets in 2020 for $2.42 billion, the current record for an baseball team. The report said a second round of bidding was due in mid-April. It is expected a decision on who the Seidler family will sell to will be made following those bids.

      Feliciano is the co-founder of Clearlake Capital, based in Santa Monica, and has ownership of the men's soccer team Chelsea in the English Premier League; Friedkin was born in San Diego and is the CEO of The Friedkin Group as well as ownership in two men's soccer teams (Everton in the EPL and Roma in Serie A); while Lacob is owner of the NBA's Golden State Warriors and the WNBA's Golden State Valkyries.

      But Gores jumps into the fray with the second-largest net worth of the four. The founder of Platinum Equity, a private-equity firm headquartered in Beverly Hills, has a net worth of $10.1 billion, according to Forbes, behind Friedkin's $10.7 billion. Gores became the Pistons' owner in 2011 and self-funded a new $90 million headquarters and training center. Gores and Platinum Equity bought the Pistons for $395 million, with Gores buying out his firm's share four years later to have 100% ownership.

      Platinum Equity oversees more than $50 billion in assets from 60 companies.

      Gores also pursued bringing a Major League Soccer team to Detroit, but that effort failed, at least for the moment. He purchased a 27% stake in the Chargers in 2024.

      In 2009, Gores purchased the San Diego Union-Tribune for a reported $30 million, then sold it two years later for $110 million. Gores lives in Beverly Hills, which would be key as the Seidler family is seeking someone who is local to sell the team to. All four finalists have SoCal ties, with some currently stronger than others.

      Peter Seidler, who died in November 2024, and Ron Fowler led the group that purchased the Padres in 2012 for $800 million.

      Matthew Lenz

      One way or another, and whether it be at this trade deadline or sometime down the road, the San Diego Padres seem adamant to pry Jarren Duran away from the Boston Red Sox.

      Earlier today, Sean McAdam of MassLive provided yet another update between the two clubs. The Padres offered the Red Sox a package including SP Dylan Cease, C Ethan Salas, and another prospect (not top prospect Leo de Vries) in exchange for Duran, which was “quickly rejected.” McAdams later adds that while it's likely Duran is eventually traded, it's "unlikely" to happen this summer.

      Are you surprised the Red Sox did not take that offer? Are you open to the idea of the Padres offering more for Duran?Join the conversation in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      The Atlanta Braves are potential sellers at the upcoming trade deadline, though currently sit just six games back of a spot in the National League Wild Card race.

      Of the names that could be dealt, Buster Olney of ESPN is reporting that designated hitter Marcell Ozuna "is included in a lot of trade speculation". Though Ozuna has no versatility, the San Diego Padres could benefit from adding Ozuna to their struggling lineup.

      Currently, first baseman and outfielder Gavin Sheets has been getting the bulk of the reps at DH. He's been very productive at the plate with an .789 OPS and 12 home runs, resulting in a 122 wRC+. While defense has never been a strength, he has the versatility to be removed as the team's primary DH to make room for at-bats from Ozuna.

      Money and prospect capital could be another hindrance to acquiring Ozuna, who has a 126 wRC+ this season. The Padres currently have questions with their ownership group and it's unclear if they are willing to add money to their payroll. While Ozuna is set to be a free agent at seasons end, he would be owed a prorated amount of his $16 million 2025 salary. Moreover, the Padres have a weak farm system limiting the caliber of player(s) they could add at the upcoming deadline.

      Do you think the Padres should kick the tires on Ozuna? Join the conversation in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      Despite re-signing Michael King, the San Diego Padres are still looking to fill the void left by Dylan Cease, who signed with the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason.

      Earlier in the offseason, it was rumored that general manager AJ  Preller was considering transitioning one of his relievers from the bullpen to the starting rotation. At the time, he had given himself about two weeks to make that decision and seemingly opted not to go that route. However, that doesn't mean Padres fans won't see changes in the bullpen before Opening Day.

      AJ Cassavell of MLB.com is reporting that the San Diego Padres are looking to add starting pitching and could deal a reliever to make that happen. The report doesn't indicate exactly which reliever(s) may be subject to trade talks, but Cassavell does mention that a high-leverage reliever, Mason Miller, is unlikely to be dealt.

      That said, he doesn't go too much further down the pecking order before bringing up names like Jeremiah Estrada, Adrian Morejon, and David Morgan as potential candidates. He also mentions Jason Adam as an unlikely candidate to be traded. Recently, it was also suggested that the Padres may need to deal Nick Pivetta to make room for another start from a cost standpoint.

      Do you think the Padres should trade one of their high-end relievers for a starting pitcher? Let us know what you think of the comments.

      Matthew Lenz

      The San Diego Padres need to rebuild their rotation for 2026. Though they have qualifying offers out to Michael King and Dylan Cease, it's expected that both pitchers will decline the one-year, $22 million pact. Though that doesn't completely write off the potential for a reunion, Padres president of baseball operations and general manager AJ Preller identified the starting rotation as a "top need."

      In a column for MLB.com, AJ Cassavell suggests the Friars could turn to their bullpen to bolster their rotation, specifically naming Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon as candidates to move. The decision on whether to move either arm into the rotation could happen soon, as Preller was quoted as saying, "if there’s a role change for anybody, that’s something that’s going to be important for us over the next 10-15 days..."

      Miller, acquired from the Athletics midseason, finished the season with a 2.63 ERA (2.23 FIP), 32.5% K-BB rate, and 32 holds + saves. Though he was one of baseball's premier closers before being dealt, he was mostly utilized as a setup man to Robert Suarez. Miller earned an extra year of arbitration for being eligible for super-2 status.

      Morejon, entering his fourth final year of arbitration, pitched 73 2/3 innings for the Friars in 2025. He posted a 2.08 ERA (2.28 FIP) with an 18.6% K-BB rate. With an fWAR of 2,2, he was the best bullpen arm for the team. 

      Do you think either pitcher should convert to a starter? Let us know in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      The San Diego Padres plan to be buyers at the deadline in anticipation of a playoff push. Apparently, they may also be sellers.

      Buster Olney of ESPN is reporting that San Diego Padres starting pitcher Dylan Cease is available at the trade deadline.

      Across 20 starts and 108.2 innings pitched, Cease's. ERA currently stands at 4.64, which is more than a full run higher than his FIP, suggesting he's experienced some bad luck or been hurt by his defense. Cease continues to be a high-strikeout pitcher, with a K% of 30.0% and a BB% of 8.4%, translating to an impressive K-BB% of 21.6%. He will be a free agent at season's end with incredible upside despite his under-performing surface stats. Cease is the type of player that the Padres could sell while still buying to fill other positions of need, such as catcher.

      Do you think the Padres should trade Dylan Cease? Join the conversation in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

       

      The San Diego Padres face the widest range of outcomes at the deadline, with their clearest need being controllable starting pitching for a rotation that has nothing reliable locked in beyond this season. Complicating things is a thin farm system, meaning any pitching help likely comes at the cost of trading from the big league roster rather than the minors. That reality puts their best trade chip, an elite reliever, squarely in play, since moving him could be their most realistic path to landing a controllable arm for the rotation.

      Mark Feinsand of MLB.com is reporting that the Milwaukee Brewers have had talks regarding San Diego Padres reliever Mason Miller. Of course, they are not the only suitor, as the New York Yankees have also been heavily tied to the elite closer. However, the Brewers may be able to offer the best prospect package for the 27-year-old's services.

      Let's assume Miller will be dealt. What trade partner would you like to see the Padres brass engage with to ensure the best prospect package? Join the conversation in the comments!

       

       

      Matthew Lenz

      After getting shot down by the Boston Red Sox (again) in their pursuit of Jarren Duran, the San Diego Padres are shifting their sights to other outfielder upgrades.

      Jon Heyman of the New York Post is reporting that the San Diego Padres are interested in outfielders Luis Robert Jr. and Ramon Laureano.

      The oft-injured Robert Jr. has stayed relatively healthy, playing in 84 games for the Chicago White Sox. He currently holds an OPS of .636 with 10 home runs, 37 runs scored, and 41 runs batted in. Additionally, he leads the league with 26 stolen bases. He is controllable through 2027 via club options over the next two seasons.

      Laureano has experienced a resurgence of sorts after years of dealing with injuries. With the Baltimore Orioles, he has an impressive .861 OPS with 14 home runs and four stolen bases. Defensively, he has been a valuable asset in the corner outfield, accumulating 3 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) with a plus arm. He will be a free agent at season's end.

      Would you rather the Padres acquire Robert Jr or Laureano? Join the conversation in the comments!

      Brock Beauchamp

      Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome of The Athletic are reporting the Astros are pursuing a trade for Padres starter Dylan Cease.  Sources briefed on Houston’s discussions say Dylan Cease tops the club’s trade deadline wish list, and the Padres right-hander fits the power-arm profile owner Jim Crane has targeted in past July moves.

      Cease, 29, has logged 118 1⁄3 innings over 22 starts with a 4.79 ERA and 153 strikeouts, good for 11.64 K/9. Under the hood, his 3.53 FIP, 3.64 xFIP, and 97.1 mph average fastball velocity sit near the league’s leaders, and a .320 wOBA against versus a .304 xwOBA points to run-prevention upside.

      Astros scouts watched Cease on July 23 in Miami, where he yielded two earned runs in five innings and punched out five; the outing kept his expected ERA at 3.53. Cease is earning $13.75 million in his walk year and will reach free agency this winter.

      Houston has a major-league-high 17 players on the injured list, among them starters Cristian Javier, Luis Garcia, and Lance McCullers Jr., plus sluggers Yordan Alvarez, Jeremy Peña, and Isaac Paredes. Healthy arms Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez need reinforcement, and Cease would form a high-strikeout trio.

      Acquiring the remaining salary would push Houston over the competitive-balance tax; Crane crossed that threshold for Justin Verlander in 2023, so cost alone may not deter him. Houston is also surveying the market for a bat, with Willi Castro, Jesús Sánchez, and Jake McCarthy mentioned as possibilities.

      Matthew Lenz

      We can add on more name to the long list of players the San Diego Padres are kicking the tires one.

      Dennis Lin of The Athletic is reporting that "[Chicago White Sox catcher, Korey] Lee has drawn trade interest from the Padres".

      Lee, 27, 2025 season has been split between Triple-A Charlotte and the Chicago White Sox. In his limited MLB action this year (14 games, 28 at-bats), Lee is batting .250 with a .300 OBP and .357 SLG, contributing one RBI and no home runs. While these numbers represent an improvement over his previous major league campaigns, he was optioned back to Triple-A Charlotte on June 6th. In Charlotte, he has posted a .262 average with 6 home runs and 18 RBIs in 130 at-bats, showing a little more pop. All of that said, the former organizational top prospects career line of .192/.231/.315 in 521 plate appearances is rather uninspiring.

      Do you think the Padres should look to acquire Lee or look for a better option? Join the conversation in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      The San Diego Padres injury woes continued in Sunday after their primary designated hitter, Gavin Sheets, crashed into the left field wall in Sunday's 6-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Sheets, who has an .817 OPS and 11 home runs on the year, has arguably been the Padres most reliable hitter this season. It's unclear how long he may be sidelined, but even a short stint will be magnified.

      Early Monday morning, Dennis Lin of the Athletic reported that the Padres are (once again) targeting Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran, though Lin also pointed out that a need to bolster their starting rotation was "equally as acute" as their need for a left fielder.

      Duran, 29, is carrying a .718 OPS with four home runs and 13 stolen bases with solid strikeout and walk rates in 282 plate appearances this season. His 2026 club option would be voided, though Duran does have two arbitration years remaining.

      What do you think the asking price is for the budding superstar? Do the Padres have enough capital to make the move? Should they? Join the conversation in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      Despite being in the thick of a playoff race, San Diego Padres fans are uncertain of the approach the team will take at the upcoming trade deadline.

      With the office struggling, some start to wonder if Luis arise, who is on an expiring deal, will be traded at the deadline. In a question and answer thread for The Athletic, Dennis Lin said "it doesn't seem likely ". 

      Arraez, in his first full season with the club, is set to be a free agent at seasons end. With a .286 batting average, the former batting champ hasn't been as productive this season. He's been a league average producer, but with almost no power his .717 OPS feels rather empty. In all, he's accrued 0 WAR this season

      Do you think the Padres should trade the utility infielder turned first baseman?

      Steve Drumwright

       

      There is no secret that San Diego Padres left-handed reliever Adrian Morejon is one of the most coveted names on the trade market as Monday's 3 p.m. PT deadline approaches.

      The names of the teams interested should tell you all you need to know.

      While long associated with the Chicago Cubs, you can add the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays and Pittsburgh Pirates to that list, according to a report Sunday by MLB insider Francys Romero.

      Morejon has boosted his value this year with an increase in fastball velocity by a few ticks up to 99.4 mph.

      A pending free agent who would be a big late-inning addition to any bullpen, including possibly as a closer, Morejon has been expected to bring back a decent package even as a rental, potentially a young controllable starter.

       

      Matthew Nethercott

      The Seattle Mariners are listening on most of their starting rotation, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.

      Passan reported Saturday afternoon that multiple teams have engaged on right-handed pitcher George Kirby, as well as right-hander Luis Castillo and Emerson Hancock.

       

      Kirby, 28, is earning $6.55 million this season after avoiding arbitration and remains under team control through 2028. This season, he's sporting a 20.9% strikeout rate and a 20.9% whiff rate, both of which sit below average, offset by an elite 5.7% walk rate. His 3.33 FIP edges his 3.76 xERA, but quality of contact has crept up (.303 xwOBA, .384 xSLG, 42.0% hard-hit), leaving him reliant on limiting damage in the zone. The 96.6 mph fastball still plays; the swing-and-miss less so.

      The Padres need rotation arms looking to make a postseason push, making any of these three pitchers a fit. This is especially true with the expectation that the Padres will hold on to Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Could there be another blockbuster involving the San Diego Padres and New York Yankees?

      The Yankees are reportedly interested in All-Star Padres closer Mason Miller, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

      The two teams hooked up in the 2023 offseason blockbuster in which the Padres shipped superstar outfielder Juan Soto and center fielder Trent Grisham to the Yankees for pitchers Michael King, Randy Vasquez, Jhony Brito, Drew Thorpe and catcher Kyle Higashioka.

      Miller would give the Yankees a better back end of the bullpen, moving current closer David Bednar to a setup role. Bednar is also a free agent following this season, while Miller is under club control through 2029.

      The Yankees have a few pitching prospects to dangle in front of the Padres, including right-handers Elmer Rodriguez, Carlos Lagrange and Ben Hess. Top Yankees prospect George Lombard Jr. is likely off the table unless there is more involved coming from the Friars. Rodriguez made his MLB debut in June, appearing in four games, while Lagrange is at Triple-A and Hess at Double-A.

      As the Padres have found out this year, you can never have too much pitching depth.

       

      Matthew Lenz

      Despite uncertainty around their ownership and previous reports that the might not be able to add salary, it appears the San Diego Padres will be aggressive at the deadline.

      After recently being tied to Sean Murphy of the Atlanta Braves, Sean McAdam of MassLive is reporting that the San Diego Padres have been "relentless in their pursuit of the Boston Red Sox Jarren Duran.

      Duran, controlled through 2028, has put together a solid 2025 campaign for the Red Sox. In 94 games. He boasts a .752 OPS, supported by a .260 batting average and a .318 on-base percentage, including 8 home runs and 15 stolen bases. It's been a different story on the defensive side of the ball.

      Primarily playing left field, his defensive metrics show a Fielding Run Value of -5 and Outs Above Average of -5. Regardless, he'll fetch a good return if he is dealt.

      Should the Padres pay what it will take to land Jarren Duran, if he's available? Join the conversation in the comments!

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Could the San Diego Padres move their No. 1 prospect at the trade deadline for the second year in a row?

      According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, shipping out catcher Ethan Salas, Padres Mission's No. 1 prospect who is considered a top-50 prospect in all of baseball, is on the table for president of baseball operations A.J. Preller as the Padres have climbed back into contender status.

      We should be clear, though. The following line from Acee's article appeared as the third-to-last paragraph and no more insight was involved:

      "That could require moving top prospect Ethan Salas, who is not considered untouchable," Acee wrote.

      That was a follow-up to Acee describing how Preller and the Padres are approaching this year's trade deadline—in the same fashion they have the last two years, not trying to take on money while adding talent to the major-league roster.

      Salas has regained a lot of the prospect status he lost by missing all but 10 games last year due to a stress reaction in his lower back. Salas enters the week with a .285/.359/.418 slash line, hitting seven homers and driving in 37 while stealing 14 bases in 71 games. He was selected to his second Futures Game in three years.

      Salas is the only true blue-chip player in the Padres' system, which is at the bottom of every major ranking, a year after the Padres traded away No. 1 prospect Leo De Vries in the blockbuster deadline deal to get Mason Miller and JP Sears. Another blockbuster would have to be on the table to deal Salas.

       

      Brock Beauchamp

      AJ Preller is a box of chocolates... or something. Just days ago, news out of the Padres' front office was that they weren't interested in dealing high-end relievers. Now, according to Underdog MLB, the Padres are listening on not only their best reliever, but their best starting pitcher.

      Mason Miller, 27, is arbitration-eligible beginning in 2026 and is scheduled to reach free agency in 2030. In 2025, he made 60 relief appearances split between Oakland and San Diego, working 61 2/3 innings and recording 22 saves. He struck out 44.4% of hitters with a 12.0% walk rate, and he posted a 2.23 FIP with a 0.73 HR/9. His BABIP was .240, and his strand rate was 76.0%. He finished with 2.0 fWAR, a 2.63 ERA, and a 2.27 xFIP.

      Nick Pivetta, 32, is signed through 2028 on a four-year, $55 million contract covering the 2025-28 seasons. In 2025, he started 31 games for San Diego and threw 181 2/3 innings. He recorded a 26.4% strikeout rate and a 6.9% walk rate, and his season FIP was 3.49 with a 3.85 xFIP. Pivetta's HR/FB rate was 9.7%, while his K-BB% was 19.5%.  

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Could A.J. Preller make another blockbuster move involving Mason Miller at this year's trade deadline?

      Other front offices certainly think it is a possibility for the San Diego Padres, as MLB.com's Mark Feinsand laid out in this article.

      Preller, the Padres' president of baseball operations and general manager, made a huge splash at last year's deadline when he sent four prospects, led by shortstop Leo De Vries (at the time MLB Pipeline's No. 3 prospect in baseball), to the A's for Miller and left-handed starter JP Sears.

      In addition to his devastating repertoire as a closer, Miller is also attractive as he still has three more years of club control. That would benefit the Padres in terms of what they would get back from a team if Preller decides to sell. The Padres entered play Thursday at 46-46 and 4½ games out of the third and final NL wild-card spot.

      “They have to consider it if they keep playing like this,” an NL executive said. “They won’t get De Vries-type value back for him, but they’ll still do well if they trade him.”

      “I would think he would be capable of two Top 100 [players] or a Top 100 and another two players that are organizational Top 10s or so,” an NL executive said. “But I’m not sure they would feel it would be worth it.”

      Braden Ramsey

      Three things are certain in life: death, taxes, and the 2025 San Diego Padres currently having a crisis at catcher. Unfortunately, there's nothing any of us can do about the first two certainties. The third, however, is fixable. And according to a former MLB general manager, A.J. Preller is trying to rectify it in a big way.

      On Thursday's episode of Foul Territory, The Athletic's Jim Bowden claimed San Diego "would like to pry" 2023 All-Star catcher Sean Murphy away from the Atlanta Braves. Bowden's statement came during a segment centered on the Braves potentially becoming sellers at the trade deadline. He added that the Tampa Bay Rays were alongside the Padres as suitors for Murphy.

      Murphy, 30, won a Gold Glove in 2021 and received an MVP vote in 2022 while playing for the Oakland Athletics. Atlanta landed him after the 2022 campaign in a three-team trade involving the A's and Milwaukee Brewers, who acquired two-time Silver Slugger and All-Star catcher William Contreras from the Braves in the deal.

      At the moment, Murphy is the right-handed member of Atlanta's backstop platoon. Drake Baldwin -- his 24-year-old, left-handed hitting catching comrade -- has gotten acclimated to the majors quickly, posting a .278/.353/.489 slash line with 11 home runs and 31 RBI in 61 games entering play on Thursday.

      Murphy, who is tied with Contreras for the 11th-best fWAR among catchers (min. 100 PA), has been no slouch. His wRC+ (116) is 11th-best at the position (min. 100 PA) and he's a terrific defender. But Baldwin, whose fWAR (2.1) ranks sixth and wRC+ (136) slots fifth, has simply been the better hitter. And he's under team control through 2030 at a fraction of Murphy's cost.

      Last week, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported Murphy was "unlikely to move" at the Trade Deadline. The Braves have lost six of seven contests since then, though, which could lead them to sing a different tune over the next few weeks. If they alter course, expect Preller to be ready to pounce.

      All stats courtesy of FanGraphs as of 7/10/25.

      Brock Beauchamp

      Dennis Lin and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic have reported that the Padres are kicking the tires on Athletics' closer Mason Miller. They're also still pursuing Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran, but we've covered that elsewhere.

      The 26-year-old right-handed Miller owns the game’s top average four-seam velocity at 101.2 mph and has converted 20 saves in 38 outings. Through July 30, he has worked 38 1/3 innings with a 3.76 ERA, a 2.86 FIP, and a 39.1 percent strikeout rate, while holding opponents to a .246 batting average on balls in play. Miller still earns the league minimum $765,000 and is under club control through 2029, an attractive fit for a Padres payroll that has little wiggle room.

      Oakland’s price is correspondingly high. Sources say the president of baseball operations, A.J. Preller, is willing to discuss either of his premier prospects—shortstop Leo De Vries or catcher Ethan Salas—to obtain Miller or controllable outfielders Jarren Duran and Steven Kwan. De Vries, 19, is thriving at High-A and is the Padres' top prospect, while Salas remains sidelined by a lower-back stress reaction but is still a teenager.

      Despite having one of the better bullpens in baseball, San Diego is weighing changes. Closer Robert Suarez carries a 3.50 ERA and a 3.28 FIP over 43 2/3 innings, but he can opt out of the two years and $20 million left on his deal after the season, making him a potential trade chip. Miller started six games as a rookie in 2023; the Padres have recently transitioned former relievers Michael King, Seth Lugo, and Stephen Kolek into starting roles, so that background could add further appeal if a deal is reached.

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Already sporting a very deep and very versatile bullpen, the San Diego Padres could be looking to strengthen that unit even more.

      According to a report by Dennis Lin of The Athletic, the Friars are on the lookout to improve the best unit on the team.

      That could mean strengthening the back end, which already has the best closer in MLB in right-hander Mason Miller. While Miller is coming off his first blown save of the season in a 5-4 loss to the rival Los Angeles Dodgers Tuesday, the only other reliable end-of-game options are right-hander Jason Adam and left-hander Adrian Morejon. There are also some softer spots in the relief corps in right-hander Ron Marinaccio and left-hander Yuki Matsui.

       

      Lin mentioned two possible acquisitions: left-handers Aroldis Chapman of the Boston Red Sox and Josh Hader of the Houston Astros. Due to both teams struggling this year, they could be available for cheap, although the Padres' farm system is not very deep in prospects.

      Entering Thursday, the Padres rank seventh in MLB in innings pitched by relievers at 200⅓ as well as ERA at 3.32.

      Miller has already had three appearances where he was called upon to get four outs, which is more than he had last year with the A's. In fact, Miller only went more than three outs twice before the Padres acquired him in a blockbuster at the trade deadline. He went more than one inning five times after joining the Padres.

      Adding to this possibility is the new ownership that is set to be approved by MLB in the next month in Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones, who could be looking to give president of baseball operations A.J. Preller room to do what he needs to do before the trade deadline.

       

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