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    Trade and free agent rumors posted here.

    41 rumors in this category

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The competition for right-handed starter Lucas Giolito is heating up, which means there could be a decision soon on one of the top free agents from this past offseason.

      According to The Athletic on Tuesday, the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs are the top contenders to land the 2019 All-Star who has yet to find a home despite a moderately successful 2025, his first season back from Tommy John surgery. Giolito had a 4.17 FIP (3.41 ERA) in 26 starts for the Boston Red Sox last year.

      The Padres and Cubs are in need of fortifying their starting rotations.

      Padres Opening Day starter Nick Pivetta left Sunday's game with stiffness in his right elbow. More on his fate, which is likely to include a trip to the injured list, could be revealed Tuesday.

      The Cubs are in a more precarious situation. Right-hander Cade Horton, last year's NL Rookie of the Year runner-up, is likely to undergo season-ending surgery on his right UCL. Left-hander Matthew Boyd, the Cubs' Opening Day starter who is on the 15-day injured list with a strained left biceps, is slated to have one rehab appearance before rejoining the rotation next week.

      Giolito, who had three top-11 finishes in AL Cy Young Award voting (2019-2021) with the Chicago White Sox, is a Southern California native who has said he has been throwing bullpen sessions of 75 pitches to stay in shape and hasn't signed because no team has met his price.

       

      Matthew Lenz

      The San Diego Padres are looking to shore up their infield depth despite having multiple options currently on the 40-man roster. Especially on the right side, Jake Cronenworth and Gavin Sheets are expected to share some combination of time between first base and DH. Will Wagner and Sung Mun Song can both play second base (among other infield positions), while depth options include Luis Campusano and Mason McCoy.

      Despite those options, that's not stopping the Padres from looking at an upgrade for their bench. Chris Cotillo of MassLive is reporting that the San Diego Padres are part of a "robust market" who have shown interest in first baseman Ty France.

      France, who was drafted by the Padres in the 34th round of the 2015 draft, won the American League Gold Glove in 2025. However, he struggled at the plate in back -to-back season posting a sub-.700 OPS, hitting 20 home runs, and having a below-average wRC+ in both 2024 and 2025. The San Diego State product would serve as a right-handed option on the right side of the infield that has four left-handed options. 

      Do you think the Padres should sign him? Let us know in the comments!

      Steve Drumwright

      If there is a singular strength of the San Diego Padres entering the 2026 season, it is most definitely the bullpen. There will be a few relievers who should be on the Friars' Opening Day roster who instead will be suiting up for the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas.

      Or maybe another franchise altogether.

      That is one possibility, as reported by Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. The Padres, who had one of the best sets of relievers in MLB in 2025, are fielding calls on members of their bullpen, although there are no specifics at this point.

      With everyone either healthy or on pace to be healthy for Opening Day, relievers who could be on the outside looking in include Bryan Hoeing, Bradgley Rodriguez, Ron Marinaccio, Kyle Hart, Ty Adcock, and Alek Jacob. Hart is the only left-hander in that group. All are right-handers except for Hart, while Marinaccio and Adcock are out of minor-league options.

      Right-hander Jason Adam (ruptured quad) and left-hander Yuki Matsui (groin) are mending injuries, and their Opening Day status is up in the air at the moment.

      Where could the Padres be looking to upgrade? They could still be looking for starting depth, even after the in-camp additions of German Marquez, Walker Buehler, and Griffin Canning. A backup infielder capable of playing shortstop is also another area. Of course, prospects are also nice, especially for a farm system that has been depleted through trades.

      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

      Dennis Lin and Ken Rosenthal are reporting that the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks are discussing playing Mexico City in 2026. The two teams were set to participate in the Mexico Series in 2020 but was ultimately cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

      The report comes on the heels of various international events being cancelled for 2025 due to economic reasons. While the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs opened their seasons in Tokyo, the 2022 CBA had also permitted games to be played in Mexico City, San Juan, and Paris.

      In past seasons, Mexico City has been the host to two regular season series, including one between the Padres and San Francisco Giants in 2023. Last season, the Boston Red Sox and Colorado Rockies played in the same location.

      Did you attend the series in 2023? Will you attend the series in 2026? Let us know your thoughts or experience 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

      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 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?

      Matthew Lenz

      Despite questions surrounding the San Diego Padres ownership group and their willingness to increase payroll, we got some clarification on what the team hopes to accomplish at the upcoming trade deadline.\

      Over the weekend, San Diego Padres President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller joined MLB Network Radio stating that the Padres hope to add “a bat or two” and possibly “strength” in the bullpen.

      The Padres rank in the bottom half of baseball in most offensive categories and could use help at multiple positions around the diamond. Moreover, the lineup is relatively healthy and they don't have strong reinforcements ready for a call up on their Triple-A El Paso roster.

      It's interesting he's targeting a bullpen piece as they are currently one of the strongest units in baseball. However, relievers production can be hard to predict and fluctuate and, as the old adage goes, you can never have enough pitching. While they have a stronger need for a rotation arm, that market is going to be thin likely driving up the cost of impact arms. The Padres may not be willing or even have the farm system to pay up for a starting pitcher. This is also a position group that hopes to be bolstered by reinforcements returning from injury, such as Yu Darvish who is scheduled to make his season debut on Tuesday.

      Who do you think the Padres should target at the deadline? Let us know in the comments!

      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.

      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!

      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 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

      Shortly after reporting that the Padres could move Dylan Cease, Buster Olney of ESPN is also reporting who a potential "replacement" may be in the rotation.

      According to Olney, the San Diego Padres have discussed a potential trade with the Baltimore Orioles involving starting pitcher Charlie Morton.

      Through 21 appearances (15 starts) covering 88.2 innings, Morton holds a 5.58 ERA. Though a FIP of 4.58 indicates he may be due for at least some positive regression. Morton's K% is 22.5% and his BB% is 10.0%, resulting in a low K-BB% of 12.5%. As his appearances suggest, he was moved to the bullpen for a period of time earlier in the season. It's hard to see how the Padres would really see him as a replacement of sorts to Cease. While adding him to the back end of the rotation wouldn't be a bad idea, the difference in the level of production between the two is significant.

      Should the San Diego Padres acquire Charlie Morton? Join the conversation in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      To this point, rumors have been swirling about the San Diego Padres interest in bolstering up their rotation, bullpen, and adding a catcher at the deadline. Now, we can add another position to the rumor mill.

      Jon Heyman of the New York Post is reporting that the "...Padres are among many teams interested in [Steve] Kwan."

      Steven Kwan, controllable through 2027 via arbitration, has been a productive leadoff hitter and a Gold Glove-caliber defender for the Guardians in 2025. Through 94 games, he boasts an OPS of .741 with six home runs, 44 runs scored, and 32 runs batted in. On the basepaths, Kwan has been effective, stealing 11 bases. His defense remains a highlight, as he currently has 13 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), once again solidifying his status as one of the premier defensive outfielders in baseball. Given his production, controllability, and "many" suitors, he will be an expensive asset to acquire at the deadline. 

      Do you think the San Diego Padres should acquire Stephan Kwan? Join the conversation in the comments!

      Samuel Cozart

      As the trade deadline approaches, a new name has entered the Padres’ radar. Dominican MLB insider Hector Gomez of Z101 Digital reported Tuesday that trade discussions between the Padres and Braves have “intensified”, with San Diego expressing heavy interest in DH Marcell Ozuna. 

      Gomez suggested that the Padres would send a return of RHP Francis Pena and RHP Ryan Bergert, the organization’s No. 18 and No. 21 prospects, to Atlanta.

      Ozuna would likely fill the DH spot in the Padres’ lineup, despite spending most of his career in left field. He has taken a step back at the plate this season, slashing .235/.361/.390 with 13 home runs and 42 RBI. However, he finished fourth in NL MVP voting in 2024, compiling an impressive line of .302/.378/.546, mashing 39 home runs and 104 RBI. 

      The 34-year-old is in the final year of a four-year $65 million contract, meaning he’d likely be a rental piece to help the Padres in their push for the postseason. 

      It would be a steep price for an aging rental player, so San Diego would need Ozuna to play similarly to his 2024 version to make it pay off. 

       

      Matthew Lenz

      The San Diego Padres, who have been rumored to be listening to offers onDylan Cease, may be looking to "replace" the rotation ace with another high-caliber pitcher from the Miami Marlins.

      Dennis Lin of The Athletic is reporting that the Padres have expressed interest in Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara.

      Alcantara's 2025 season has been a challenging one as he continues his return from Tommy John surgery. Through 20 starts and 104 innings pitched, Alcantara has a high 6.66 ERA, which is two runs higher than his FIP, suggesting he's been particularly unlucky with balls in play or hasn't received strong defensive support. His strikeout rate (K%) is down to 16.7%, and his walk rate (BB%) is up to 8.9%, leading to an abysmal K-BB% of 7.8%. While there have been a few promising starts, he has largely struggled to find the consistency that made him a Cy Young winner. He is controllable through next season with a $17.3 million salary.

      Out of all the pitchers that the Padres have been tied to, where does Sandy Alcantara fall on your list? Join the conversation in the comments!

      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

      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!

      Matthew Lenz

      It has been speculated that the San Diego Padres could be both buyers and sellers over the next week. Most notably, the team is reportedly open to moving rotation ace Dylan Cease, though they're also looking to add to the rotation, whether they deal Cease or not.

      Moreover, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic is reporting that teams are interested in San Diego Padres' pitchers Stephen Kolek, Ryan Bergert, Henry Baez, and Braden Nett.

      Kolek, who transitioned into a starting role after being primarily a reliever in 2024, has a 4.28 ERA across 13 starts with the Friars. Kolek's strikeout rate (K%) sits at 17.3%, and his walk rate (BB%) is 7.4%, resulting in a lowly K-BB% of 9.9%. While he has shown flashes of potential, including one complete game shutout, he's allowed at least three runs in five of his last six starts. He is controllable through 2029, which is a significant advantage for any team acquiring the right-handed pitcher.

      Bergert has had an intriguing season for the San Diego Padres, making six starts and 10 total appearances. He holds a respectable 2.84 ERA, though his FIP sits significantly higher at 4.26, suggesting that he might have benefited from some good fortune on balls in play. Bergert has recorded a solid K% of 23.1% but a below-average BB% of 10.8%. He was optioned to Triple-A El Paso in July, but like Kolek, he is controllable for many years.

      Baez and Nett are both succeeding in the Double-A San Antonio starting rotation. Baez is already on the 40-man roster, while Nett would need to be protected this winter.

      Should the Padres deal any of these arms? Join the conversation in the comments!

      Brock Beauchamp

      Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic recently wrote that the Padres are interested in trading for Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan, 27, who is earning $4.175 million in 2025 and will remain arbitration-eligible through 2027. In 99 games, he is hitting .285/.350/.411 with a .333 wOBA and 115 wRC+. FanGraphs has him at 2.8 fWAR, a top-20 mark among outfielders this season. Statcast lists Kwan at +3 Outs Above Average while he has logged 772 ⅓ innings, almost all in left field. 

      The Padres have not found a consistent solution in left field since Jurickson Profar departed; FanGraphs’ preseason ZiPS write-up flagged the position as “likely to be a problem again” in 2025, and that has undoubtedly been the case. Adding Kwan would give San Diego an outfielder under control for two additional seasons, avoiding the rental profile common at the deadline. Because his 2025 salary is modest, his projected arbitration raises are unlikely to strain the club’s precarious financial position. With Kwan under control through 2027, any deal would address a present-day lineup need while providing payroll stability.

      The Guardians are reportedly seeking a robust package; Kwan’s 2.8 fWAR and two additional seasons of control elevate the asking price beyond typical corner-outfield rentals.

      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.

      Brock Beauchamp

      Katie Woo of The Athletic is reporting that the Padres are interested in acquiring the Cardinals' JoJo Romero.

      The Padres continue to inquire on the relief market despite already leading baseball with a 2.99 bullpen ERA and sending three relievers to the All-Star Game. General manager A.J. Preller has signaled interest in adding a second high-leverage left-hander to lessen the workload on Adrian Morejon and Jeremiah Estrada, both of whom rank among the league leaders in appearances.

      St. Louis southpaw JoJo Romero fits that description and remains under club control through the 2027 season. Across 34 innings in 2025, Romero owns a 2.12 ERA with a 2.88 FIP, 9.0 K/9, 4.0 BB/9, and just 0.3 HR/9. He has converted 52.9 percent of batted balls into grounders and stranded 76.4 percent of his baserunners. Statcast reports opponents have managed a .267 wOBA (.270 xwOBA) against him, with an average exit velocity of 89.1 mph and a 38.9 percent hard-hit rate.

      Because Romero is left-handed and can be optioned, the Padres could deploy him flexibly while maintaining roster depth. His combination of swing-and-miss capability (34 strikeouts) and home-run suppression falls in line with San Diego’s preference for power arms who limit damage late in games. With Emmanuel Clase now unavailable and Ryan Helsley’s market escalating, Romero represents a controllable alternative whose cost in prospect capital may align with Preller’s stated goal of “adding to a strength” without altering the club’s long-term pitching plans.

      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.

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