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    Trade and free agent rumors posted here.

    55 rumors in this category

      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.

       

      Matthew Nethercott

      The San Diego Padres are not motivated to move closer Mason Miller at this season's trade deadline. Still, it could be an option the Padres explore. Currently, the Padres are sitting at .500 with a depleted farm system. Trading a player like Miller could net a big return that could help the major league team and the minor leagues for years to come.

      ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Tuesday on his podcast "Sources Tell Jeff Passan" that while he does not expect Miller to get traded at this deadline, the Padres are signaling to other teams that if you want to come near Miller, there is nobody in the opposing organization that is off-limits. Other reports (from Joel Sherman) indicated that the Padres have had scouts at all levels of the Yankees' minor leagues over the weekend, specifically asking about Dax Kilby, whom the Padres had interest in drafting in 2025.

      If Miller were not available, Sherman and his colleague Jon Heyman speculated that Adrian Morejon could be another option for the teams that are in on Miller. Morejon has been very good this season and could slot into another team's bullpen as a setup man and could still net the starter that the Padres need on the market before the August 3rd trade deadline.

      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 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 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.

       

      Matthew Lenz

       

      The San Diego Padres had a massive deadline, acquiring two top-of-the-rotation arms in Robbie Ray and Casey Mize. After hanging on to their relievers, particularly Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon, they continued to add to their bullpen depth as the clock struck midnight on the trade deadline.

      The San Diego Padres acquired reliever Hunter Stratton from the Pittsburgh Pirates, and then immediately optioned him to Triple-A El Paso. They gave up minor league reliever Andrew Moore in the deal.

      Stratton, 29, has only made three appearances in 2026. For his career (60 appearances), he has a 3.88 ERA (3.89 FIP) and a 14.6% strikeout-minus-walk rate, though he has struggled each of the previous two seasons. He is controlled for at least three seasons beyond 2026.

      Essentially, the Padres flipped a reliever who isn't ready for big-league action for one who theoretically could be. What do you think of the move? Join the conversation in the comments!

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Maybe the San Diego Padres are going to hold onto valuable left-handed reliever Adrian Morejon.

      According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, whose accuracy on breaking news can be questioned as much as an ABS challenge is made, reported Sunday that the Padres rejected a deal with the New York Yankees that would have brought right-handed starter Will Warren to San Diego.

      No other details were given, whether it was a one-for-one deal or other pieces might have been involved, but it would have been an ideal trade for the Padres from one aspect, but not from another.

      Yes, it would have given the type of young controllable starting pitcher the Padres crave as Warren is under club control through the 2030 season, still a year away from arbitration. But it also would have taken a crucial arm out of the Padres' bullpen.

      While Morejon is a free agent at the end of the season, perhaps president of baseball operations A.J. Preller is exhibiting a little bit of self-control. OK, we say that with a chuckle as that would be a first for Preller at the trade deadline.

      Morejon is one of the top left-handed relievers in MLB, while the 27-year-old Warren has a 3.96 FIP (4.14 ERA) in 22 starts over 108⅔ innings with a 7.6% walk rate and 23% strikeout rate this year.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Deadline day has arrived and the San Diego Padres have yet to make a move, but you know that will change by the 3 p.m. PT deadline.

      The biggest need is a starting pitcher and the Padres are looking at a pitcher who just shut them down: San Francisco Giants left-hander Robbie Ray. Joel Sherman of the New York Post said the 2021 AL Cy Young Award winner is of interest to the Padres.

      That move would certainly make sense, especially after Ray stifled the Padres for six innings in Thursday's series opener, allowing one run and striking out six. Other contenders will be after Ray as well, so it could become a bidding war.

      Ray has a 4.36 FIP (3.08 ERA) with an 11.1% walk rate and 20.9% strikeout rate in 22 games this year.

       

      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.

       

      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.

       

      Steve Drumwright

      If indeed the San Diego Padres do decide to trade away players, their bullpen is an obvious place with several pieces that would help other contenders.

      Among those players is left-hander Wandy Peralta. According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, Peralta is "actively being discussed."

      The 35-year-old is making $4.45 million this year and has a player option for the same figure next year, making him very affordable for any team looking for a lefty in the bullpen. Peralta is having a very good season, with a career-best 2.35 ERA in 43 games, with his FIP at 4.18. He has a 9.7% walk rate and 15.5% strikeout rate. He isn't really an option to be a consistent late-game option, but can fill a flexible role.

      Peralta would probably bring back a solid prospect or could enhance a package for some of the more attractive Padres relievers in left-hander Adrian Morejon, right-hander Jason Adam (currently on the 15-day injured list) or even All-Star closer Mason Miller.

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Not that this comes as a stunning development to San Diego Padres fans, but one MLB insider considers it very unlikely closer Mason Miller will be dealt by the trade deadline.

      "It would be a shock," ESPN's Alden Gonzalez wrote Friday about a Miller trade. Miller was the Padres' lone All-Star and has converted all 28 of his save opportunities this year after being acquired at last year's trade deadline.

      A.J. Preller, the Padres' president of baseball operations, is still listening to anyone who wants to inquire, but his asking price remains "astronomical" to the point that certain contenders haven't even asked about MLB's best closer. It also helps that the Padres recently won five straight to get them in a better position in the NL wild-card race.

      However, that doesn't mean the rest of the Padres' bullpen isn't available. According to The Athletic, left-handers Adrian Morejon and Wandy Peralta are popular names on the trade block, with the New York Yankees one team that would be interested and have young starters Will Warren and Ryan Weathers as potential trade pieces.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      With a thin farm system and a bullpen that has depth, there is a likelihood that the San Diego Padres address needs on their major-league roster by dealing from their relief corps before Monday's 3 p.m. PT deadline.

      That is according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, who posted an article Saturday saying sources inside and outside the organization that Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller will use the variety of bullpen arms to address areas such as the starting rotation. The Padres entered play Saturday one game behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the third and final NL wild-card spot with two months left in the season.

      While right-hander Mason Miller has basically been ruled out from being traded, the biggest name the Padres could move and bring back a good return is left-hander Adrian Morejon. Experiencing a banner season that has seen his velocity jump a few ticks and is regularly at 101 mph, Morejon is making $3.9 million this year, which leaves about $1.15 million to cover the rest of the season.

      Morejon is a high-leverage reliever who is just 27 years old before he hits free agency. He could easily remain as a setup man for another established closer or could take over closer duties for a team needing stability in that role. He has a FIP of 2.49 (3.14 ERA) in 57⅓ innings over 50 games, with a 6.3% walk rate and 27% strikeout rate, the highest in his eight-year career other than a 31.6% mark in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

      Morejon is one of four left-handers in the Padres' bullpen, along with Wandy Peralta, Yuki Matsui and Kyle Hart.

      Acee also notes that Preller could swing another deal like he pulled with the Baltimore Orioles to acquire outfielder Ramon Laureano and first baseman Ryan O'Hearn at last year's deadline, when he dealt away five 2024 draft picks, led by their second-, third- and fourth-rounders.

      The Padres' system is routinely rated as the worst in MLB, but there are probably a dozen prospects that other teams would be interested in, especially in a package deal.

       

      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.”

      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.

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