No team in baseball has gotten less from the left field position this season than the Padres, whose left fielders have combined for an unimpressive –0.7 bWAR over the team’s first 50 games. While the trade deadline is over two months away, it isn’t surprising that this glaring weakness is already on the radar, as Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune writes that “the Padres have begun exploring the trade market for a left fielder.”
The list of internal options got even thinner on Saturday when San Diego placed Jason Heyward on the 10-day injured list due to a left oblique strain. The severity of Heyward’s strain isn’t yet known, but even a minor oblique issue usually means at least a few weeks of recovery time, which deals another blow to what has already been a rough season for the veteran outfielder. Heyward is hitting only .176/.223/.271 over 95 plate appearances, and he already missed 10 days of action in April due to an earlier IL stint for left knee inflammation.
Luis Campusano was called up from Triple-A in the corresponding move for Heyward, technically giving the Padres three catchers on the roster between Campusano, Elias Diaz, and Martin Maldonado. However, manager Mike Shildt indicated that Campusano will act as the Padres’ DH against left-handed pitching, and could also get some time as a first baseman. Either deployment could free up Gavin Sheets to spend more time in left field, and the combination of Sheets, Brandon Lockridge, and utilityman Tyler Wade are expected to handle left field duties until Heyward is healthy or perhaps until a new addition joins the team.
After Jurickson Profar departed in free agency, San Diego signed Heyward and Connor Joe to one-year, $1MM free agent contracts with the idea that the two veterans could form an inexpensive left field platoon. Those plans went awry due to Heyward’s struggles and the Padres’ preference to give prospect Lockridge more of an extended look at the MLB level, so Joe (who appeared in only seven big league games for the Friars) was dealt to the Reds earlier this month. Oscar Gonzalez was also released earlier this week so he could sign with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of NPB, as the Padres parted ways with another under-performing outfielder.
Lockridge is hitting just .197/.258/.262 over 68 PA, and rookie Tirso Ornelas also hasn’t done much in limited playing time. Sheets is enjoying a very nice year at the plate but he is a defensive liability as a regular outfielder, plus regular usage in left field would also create another lineup hole since Sheets would spend less time in the first base/DH mix.
Given that the Friars acquired Luis Arraez from the Marlins in early May 2024, it wouldn’t necessarily be a shock if president of baseball operations A.J. Preller moved sooner rather than later on a significant addition. That said, the Arraez trade was something of a perfect storm of circumstances, as most out-of-contention teams wait until much closer to the deadline to start unloading their top trade chips. Landing the left-field equivalent of an established regular like Arraez is also not simple, as the Padres might for now just be looking for more part-time or platoon types.
Since it is only late May, struggling teams like the Orioles or Pirates will likely see how June plays out before moving fully into sell mode. If Baltimore can’t turn around its shocking disappointing season, such outfielders and impending free agents as Cedric Mullins, Ryan O’Hearn, or Ramon Laureano could all be of interest to outfield-needy teams like the Padres. Tommy Pham is having a rough year for the Pirates and might be available earlier, but despite Pham’s struggles, the ex-Padre might get some consideration from his former team.
Looking at teams who are already in clear sell mode, White Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi is probably too expensive to merit serious trade consideration unless Chicago eats the majority of Benintendi’s remaining salary. Mike Tauchman, Michael A. Taylor or Austin Slater also figure to all be available as deadline rentals. Another early trade with the Marlins might be possible since Jesus Sanchez is readily available, yet Sanchez hasn’t hit much in 2025. The Rockies figure to be open to moving anyone besides their most prized younger players, though Colorado’s roster doesn’t offer much in the way of a clear upgrade for San Diego.
When you get a DEAD BALL it doesn’t matter who is on your roster.
Padres need to protest MLB giving them the dead ball.
Explain please. Haven’t heard of this.
Don’t encourage our resident loony goose, Yanks. He’ll just drop more unsubstantiated drivel.
It’s obvious that stuff like this goes on. We already know that the so-called Goldilocks balls were used in Yankee games in 2022. And who knows what else they’re doing? The NFL is heavily rigged and all other sports are to varying degrees.
Gwynning truth is stranger than fiction.
You know that.
History speaks for itself.
What no one lies?
The Astros won the WS legitimately?
Steroids in the 90 were just creatine and ground breaking physical enhancements?
Spit balls weren’t banned because they altered the ball suppressing offense?
Corked bats?
To simplify the argument. Try playing basketball with a bowling ball.
Just because the ball looks the same to the naked eye doesn’t mean it plays the same.
Also MLB took.over the manufacturing of the ball and manufactures it in house.
Oh and see Meredith Wills.
Don’t forget the magnets. People always forget about the magnets. The magnets in the balls. The magnets in the bats. The magnets in the catcher’s mitt. Magnets are everywhere.
And cameras. The cameras in the balls allow them to alter spin rates and velocity.
They’re experimenting with cloud seeding now as well. This is why they’re playing in bad conditions more frequently. They seed the cloud so that when it rains over the park it makes people spend more money on concessions and merchandise. Some sort of chemical that’s embedded in the cloud seeds affects their decision making process.
@town,
Just bc there have been other transgressions/suspect occurrences doesn’t mean you are justified in lodging accusations absent any evidence. That’s just conspiracy theory nuttery. It’s a dangerous road you walk where your reason has betrayed you and you feel justified in believing any theory absent evidence bc you’ve seen a conspiracy theory bear fruit in the past. That bed of logic is the only way to guarantee that you possess no logical foundation at all.
The data is there.
The Padres have some of the fewest home run totals in baseball. The Padres have some of the weakest contact in baseball. The Padres several years ago, were a team that was known as Slam Diego. They have roughly the same personnell, core wise.The Padres average some of the highest ground ball rates in baseball. There is data that supports this claim this is not just a shot in the dark there is substantial data that supports this.
@dan
There is danger, when facts are presented, in choosing to disregard the data and not believe it.
Asbestos, do they really cause cancer?
There was a time that was argued.
Smoking cigarettes was once supported by the medical community.
I could go on.
“The Padres several years ago, were a team that was known as Slam Diego”
So? If this is the argument you’re gonna go with at least use something like comparing hard bit rates. Who cares what their nickname was?
Heyward has 2 hrs. Basically every single time he hits the ball it’s a hr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This Sheets guy whoever the heck that is has 10!!!!!!!!
So it is just directed towards the Padres….is that it? MLB switches balls in mid inning so the opposing team gets the “lively” ball?
Please go on.
@Brad Best post in the thread, and there have been some good ones
One would think Sheets going from non-tendered by the worst team in MLB history to thriving in San Diego would disprove your premise.
I think you’ve already inadvertently solved the mystery. The Padres are lacking testosterone. And you did mention they have dead balls. The circle is complete.
Weak contact and ground balls have more to do with not resulting in home runs than the ball. Launch angle and solid contact seem to lead to more home runs than weak grounders.
But they can’t use seeding and magnets at the same time. If magnets get wet, they don’t work, so I have been told.
Its amazing how many of SD ground balls fail to go over the fence than other teams grounders.
Sox just let him go for nothing. They did more stupid things this week, sent both first basemen to minor leagues and put somebody there who didn’t cover first base and it cost us a ballgame.
@Towinagain – Welcome to baseball. Some years, entire teams put together an amazing season (see Boston Red Sox in 2018), and their offensive numbers are off the charts. Then the following year, things regress back to normal or even a little worse than normal and the difference appears striking because of such an amazing season the year before.
Sure, it is possible that there are still different types of balls out there, but in order to sell me on San Diego being victimized by low performing baseballs, how are the other teams doing against them vs. in other parks? Are other teams performances against San Diego much weaker than they are against the other teams they play? They’d be using the same balls as San Diego when they play them so you should research how these other teams are playing vs. SD and if they are performing just as poorly as SD is, then you might be on to something. Personally, I think it is just the nature of baseball. Some years are great, others are not, even with mostly the same players on the roster.
“The nickname “Slam Diego” was coined during a series between the San Diego Padres and the Texas Rangers in August 2020, specifically after the Padres became the first team in MLB history to hit grand slams in four consecutive games. The term was popularized by Fox Sports San Diego play-by-play announcer Don Orsillo. The Padres achieved this feat after Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a grand slam, followed by Wil Myers, Manny Machado, and finally, Eric Hosmer.” That’s just 5 years ago and from the data below from Baseball Reference, Padres didn’t hit above league avg. till 2020.
But the Padres have otherwise never been a top tier slugging offense despite the “slam Diego” name, above average last 3 years yes, but not in top 10 except 2024 and 2020.
Padres offense since 2012, Runs scored, league Avg, Home runs, league avg.
2025 213R 229LA 48HR 57LA
Both below league avg., regression from 2024 so far.
(Profar, Higashioka, Kim gone, that’s also what you get from signing Y. Gurriel as DH and get little production from DH position after released. Padres do have fewest strikeouts in MLB, but below avg in R, HR, RBI, 2B, BB, ~MLB avg in BA, SLG, OPS)
Could it be that key players haven’t performed, they are now 5 years older from 2020, and Petco has always been a pitcher’s park? IMO, Padres have only recently been a bit over league average and that core players from those teams (Soto, Profar, Kim, Higashioka, etc. are all gone due to budget, so why you can’t accept the team is underperforming, rather than creating a conspiracy theory that there’s a “dead ball” for just the Padres? Sheesh.
2024 760R 711LA 190HR 182LA
(Soto gone, +Merrill & Profar)
Top 10, above league avg.
2023 752R 748LA 205HR 196LA (w/Soto, Tatis, Machado)
A little bit above league avg.
2022 705R 694LA 153HR 174LA
(Tatis suspended 80 games, Soto added August 2022)
Near league avg.
2021 729R 734LA 180HR 198LA
Below league avg.
2020 325R 278LA 95HR 77LA
(Slam Diego coined, played NL & AL West teams only, hit as many homers as NYY, CWS, only ATL & LAD hit more)
An outlier top 5 above avg season
2019 682R 782LA 219HR 226LA
(Tatis, Machado debut)
Below league avg.
2018 617R 721LA 162HR 186LA
Far below league avg.
2017 604R 753LA 189HR 204LA
Far below league avg
Rest below all below league avg.
2016 686R 725LA 177HR 187LA
2015 650R 688LA 148HR 164LA
2014 535R 659LA 109HR 140LA
2013 618R 675LA 146HR 155LA
2012 651R 701LA 121HR 164LA
So what is the reasoning for MLB to do this? Do they secretly hate the Padres?
In order to coninue the market disparity narrative and drive down player salaries, MLB uses a dead ball.
The dead ball suppresses offense.
Organizations like the Padres who are perceived as a small market club have begun to sign higher priced free agents.
A small to mid market club signing high priced free agents sets a dangerous precedent for other small market clubs.
Other small market fan bases may began to expect or demand it.
Furthermore, suppressing offensive output from.star players creates a perception that they are “overvalued”.
Soto’s struggles have lead fans to assert that he is “overpaid”.
His contract with the Mets and substantial decrease in output further allows MLB to “argue” that young, cheap homegrown talent from a team like the Tigers can accomplish just as much.
The dead ball and non-standardized strike zone allow for MLB to control the outcome/manipulate the games themselves.
Players are at the mercy of the equipment in play and an inconsistent strike zone.
I kinda wish the Clippers were still in the NBA Playoffs to keep towinagain distracted from baseball…
Meth is a helluva drug….
@jerry no I don’t use it.
So that is another fallable assertion.
Easy to prove. Get a group of fans to submit foul balls as collected under monitored conditions without being dried out, altered, or humidored for testing after each game.
You want to prove the conspiracy theory, there’s your chance.
Even if there was any truth to this, it would affect the hitters on all teams more or less equally.
It would also drive up the cost of free agent pitching (and glove first position players to a degree) in exchange for lowering the market for free agent hitters.
All professional sports are rigged.
@GASox interesting this dotard hasn’t responded to your very logical test of his insane theory.
Dooper- It’s easy to spread a conspiracy theory. Putting money where the mouth is usually doesn’t happen.
To quote the commercial, “Were you recently electrocuted?”
That was the original title of MONEY BALL
You throw more conspiracies around than Cease does pitches! Keep on truckin’ towin.
In certain instances, as a way to protect one’s own sanity, it’s important to remember that you can’t reason with the insane. You can’t outsmart them, because you’ll risk joining them in the loony bin. You must outdumb them.
@Pita is there sign stealing?
What about the ‘Black Sox’ scandal?
Enron? Can I refresh your memory?
Insider trading?
These are verifiable events that began with speculation.
When these were brought up, those bringing it were labeled ‘insane’.
Either it is real or it isn’t.
The facts, though, hard hit rates, exit velocity and launch angle for example, speak for themselves.
The data is there and yes the data supports that man did in fact actually land on the moon and the earth is round.
A dead ball makes the Padres hit it into the ground?
Maybe it’s the windmills…
Reasoning will never make a Man correct an ill Opinion, which by Reasoning he never acquired
We were speaking of beliefs
Beliefs and conditioning
All belief possibly could be said to be the result of some conditioning
Thus, the study of history is simply the study of one system of beliefs deposing another
And so on, and so on, and so on
A psychologically tested belief of our time is the central nervous system
Which feeds its impulses directly to the brain, the conscious and subconscious
Is unable to discern between the real, and the vividly imagined experience
If there is a difference, and most of us believe there is
Am I being clear?
@town – all that the data you listed supports is that most of the Padres hitters and/or their coaches suck, plain and simple.
The data of their hard hit rates being down proves that their hard hit rates are down, that is all, it does not prove that they are being thrown bowling balls.
Their launch angles being down proves that their launch angles are down, not that they are being thrown bowling balls.
etc.
I have to assume that you also most definitely believe that all the Padres fans in the stands in both San Diego and on the road are all plants by Manfred too, since not a single foul “bowling” ball into the stands during all of San Diego’s at-bats has been has been accused of weighing any different whatsoever.
That would also mean San Diego’s own ball-boy/girls as well are in on the conspiracy against their own team. And every single umpire that has called their games. And every single opposing pitcher they have faced. And every single opposing catcher they have faced. You look like an absolute clown in this thread dude.
So there you have it, you’ve yet to provide a single shred of actual evidence for your outlandish conspiracy and every attempt to do so just further proves you are a certified knucklehead.
town… This is the last sort of garbage I want to read on Memorial Day. Or is that rigged too?
3 to 1 Braves over the Padres.
I rest my case. Padres getting a dead ball.
Rest your case? You haven’t presented any hard evidence! Jury rules against your claim if you’re resting your case now…
Sheets clearly got good ball.
I’m not sure how you could watch this team over the past few weeks and say, yup, it’s that damn ball. Lots of crap contact, so few drives to the outfield that’s it’s not like they’re dying on the track or even 40′ from the fence. Lots of groundballs and soft contact.
So did Cronenworth and Manny, despite the case being rested
Stupid comments in 3…2.. 1… ope, you already showed up
When the Padres are permitted to win a championship, not given 24 scoreless innings of a dead ball, I’ll change my tune.
Ground outs.
Changing the ball for ALL TEAMS doesn’t target a single team like the Padres as not being permitted to win a Championship. Even if it’s true, someone has to win with the dead ball. If it’s harder for the Padres to hit the ball, then they need to pitch better.
Was MLB using “juiced baseballs” in 2020?!
I dunno!
But, there is a lot of discussion on the Internet about it.
So, perhaps the Padres increased offense in 2020 was in line with increased offense all over MLB?!
The following was an “AI Answer” spit out in a search engine
and not my own personal opinion since I have not really focused on this issue.
“Some evidence suggests that the MLB did use a “juiced” baseball in 2020. While MLB officials and Rawlings, the ball manufacturer, have denied intentional alterations,
A 2020 Astros report indicates that a portion of the baseballs used in 2020 were smaller and lighter than before, likely leading to increased offensive output.
Here’s a more detailed look:
The “Juiced” Ball Theory:
The theory suggests that MLB baseballs have been deliberately altered to increase scoring.
2020 Season:
A portion of the 2020 baseballs were reportedly smaller and lighter, which could have led to them flying farther and contributing to higher home run totals.
MLB and Rawlings’ Denials:
Both the MLB and Rawlings have consistently denied that the baseballs were intentionally altered.
Possible Explanation:
The changes in the baseballs could have been unintentional, resulting from variations in production or material.
Postseason:
The MLB acknowledged that Rawlings did implement experimental changes for a portion of 2020 production, but they stated that the balls were within specifications, the changes were actually intended to reduce spring, and the balls were not used in games.
2021 Season:
The MLB planned to return to a “deadened ball” in 2021, but due to production issues related to the pandemic, they ended up using a mix of both “juiced” and “deadened” balls during the season.
Ongoing Debate:
The debate continues about the extent to which the baseballs were altered and the impact on the game”.
Of course not! They were only juiced in 2018 and 2019.
Any portion of juiced balls in 2020 were simply leftover from the previous two years.
Tommy Pham is available
At least until happy hour at the local strip club!
Trade him to Texas. Fantasy Football is alive.
Joc would welcome Tommy, I’m sure.
So would the Spearmint Rhino.
Profar might be available from Atlanta…
Just saying…
@sad
Pads won’t pay that much money. The Braves would have to eat just about all of that contract.
Profar will be free soon when the Braves follow the Rockies example and cut him loose.. He can’t play in the playoffs, so no contending team will touch him.
Web – I disagree. At league minimum for 2 more years while ATL picks up the balance, I think a lot of contending teams (those with a need like SD) would accept the ban in 25 for the increase of productivity from LF cheap.
They were talking about this today on MLB Network radio. The points they covered:
Without the steroids would there be an increase in productivity? Profar’s productivity was pretty bad the last month of spring training and early this season before the suspension.
Would 2 months of potentially bad productivity be worth it just to not have any production from him during the playoffs?
They didn’t believe think many teams would think it was worth the risk. I don’t either.
Web – after release it would only be 2 months of league minimum. If you needed a LF – why not try him over 10 other guys sitting at home on the couch?
Not much to lose really.
If you don’t need a LFer – then no.
I see their point. If you pick up Profar, then you have to go back to the “guy sitting at home on the couch” to fill your LF hole for the playoffs without him having had the benefit of playing consistently in the regular season down the stretch.
I guess if a team thought Profar would be the difference between making the playoff at all and going golfing in October, I can see them picking him up. But then that would be a team that would not be destined to go deep in the playoffs. Better to make a trade for someone that can help you July to September and in October, even if its a rental.
If they are going to make a trade for a LF, which I don’t think they will, I would rather see the Padres work out something for a guy like Mullins. Pop in the bat. Plays good enough defense to be a CF in Baltimore. Only making $8.75 million and a FA at season’s end.
Could the padres slide Tatis to left and get Ryan o’hearn for right?
Sad -never a good idea to slide a platinum glove MVP caliber player to another position just because he could do it to accommodate another player. When Soto was acquired he was the one shifted to LF. Can’t see it. Don’t fix one weak spot by messing with one of the strongest spots.
Miguel Andujar could be had cheaply
If the Pirates look to “blow it up” Reynolds could be available and looks like he could be coming out of the slump.
Please NO!
Padres already have a number of guys not performing offensively in LF.
If Reynolds wasn’t owed $82 million between now and 2030, his age 35 season, I would say that is a great call.
He had a 3.6 WAR last year and averaged 3.0 WAR and 119 OPS+, so he has played at about a 20% above average level.
I doubt the Pirates would be willing to buy down much of his deal and since he has a negative WAR right now that is exactly what they would have to do to if they wanted to get any decent prospects back in a trade involving Reynolds.
Please NO!
I wish the Braves would trade Profar to the Padres, I bet the two teams could figure something out. Once he is allowed to play again.
Padres don’t want that contract. If the Braves set him free (not happening), once cleared, Preller would scoop him up in a second. If Atlanta took on the majority of his contract, its a possibility, but don’t see Preller giving up hardly anything to get him.
Good luck trading that contract coming off a PED suspension.
SD wanted nothing to do with Profar and 45 mil (thankfully). It would seem as if no other team did as well based on the non rumors and rather late signing. AJ most likely gave him an amount early on that would allow him to stay in SD and Profar waited it out until his preferred contract finally came up from ATL and he jumped on it – which he should have. Yes, I think SD would sign him if released though and he would very likely pick SD out of all other offers. There is no trade for him in my opinion even if Atl eats most of salary.
Considering he’s ineligible to play in the playoffs, I doubt any team would seriously consider him as an option
That’s a stupid rule. The NFL lets them play in the playoffs.
The NFL also eliminates future guaranteed money if a player tests positive for PEDs. I’m always in the camp of cheaters not being rewarded
No, that means the NFL has the stupid rule.
Yes, and the NFL never has stupid rules. Maybe the MLB needs to require the team on offense to tell the team on defense when they are going to do the squeeze play?
Having players report to umpires and telling the their offensive strategies would make mean MLB and NFL both have some very stupid rules.
I think Preller would if he was cut loose and SD only had to pay the minimum.
I was suspicious of Profar’s “breakout season” last year @ the age of 31 after 12 seasons in MLB of mostly average and below average numbers.
Apparently, MLB and others were suspicious also.
Random drug testing confirmed the league’s suspicions.
Padres should distance themselves from Profar.
SF – no sure when Pro took what he took or whether or not it assisted his 24 breakout season. Could be.
However “random” drug testing by definition is random and does not therefore, follow suspicion.
What I really don’t get is how he could be tested during the 24 season (presumably late in September?) and it was not disclosed to teams considering him in free agency until 6 months or so later. I find that strange and in need of correction.
The Red Sox need a spot for Roman Anthony and need pitching…sounds like a match made in heaven
Seems like a perfect fit, but I wonder what a potential trade would look like.
As a Sox fan, I think out of Duran/Rafaela/Abreu, I would rather trade Duran. I love Rafaela’s glove in CF, and honestly not sure how much they would get in return with the contract (as in if he was still on his rookie deal, he probably is more valuable). I feel like Abreu has the highest ceiling with his bat, so would like to hold onto him.
Abreu’s power has been very surprising and may be sustainable to a degree given his substantially improved bat speed this season. But that potential doesn’t surpass what Duran has already accomplished on the field. He was a legitimate mvp candidate. Though he’s struggled this season at times he also improved his bat speed by 2 mph in season last year that helped him produce big offensive numbers last summer. There’s reason to believe he’ll do the same this year given we’ve seen his progression and actual performance whereas abreu hasn’t sustained excellence yet. My point is simply that Duran maintains the highest ceiling as he has in fact done it and the data backs up the performance. Abreu certainly has upside but to say he has the highest is just recency bias.
I think we saw his ceiling last year. Anything close again would be special.
Dan,
Abreu’s bat speed has dropped from 74.6 mph last season to 74.4 mph this season. It was 74.1 mph in 2023.
baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/wilyer-abreu-…
His bat speed has been around the 85th percentile last season and this season. No appreciable change.
I don’t know what the Padres can trade that works for the Red Sox. The Red Sox could use a Dylan Cease but trading a controllable, young OF for a larger contract that is expiring this year doesn’t work one for one. The Padres would probably have to take back a Giolito and put decent prospect in the deal or bullpen arm in the deal.
“Rafaela’s glove in CF, and honestly not sure how much they would get in return with the contract”
Lol, Rafaela has a 1.8 BWar atm, which projects to 5.6 at seasons end if he continues.
Rafaela ranks in the 100th percentile for defensive outfielders. Meaning he is one of the best defensive OFers there is. (Respect to Crow-Armstrong). He also ranks in the 97th percentile for baserunning, meaning he’s fast and smart on the basepaths.
Many Red Sox fans are limited in their understanding of baseball, as demonstrated by their listing of BA or OBP as their sole criteria for good or bad players. Currently, Rafaela is making $1.25M on his contract (an absolute steal), and is locked up until his age 30 season, which only tops out at $13M. As an intelligent Red Sox fan, they better not trade him.
Salvi
Many Red Sox fans are limited in their understanding of baseball,
======================
50% are very smart.
50% have never seen a baseball game.
Joe, That seems like a good breakdown for the “fans” of most teams on this website.
Pads fans – we just had a guy today who’d never heard of Sean newcomb…. that tells a lot.
Lol GA, saw that. Didnt bother responding.
Salvi,
Rafaela is 99th percentile in fielding and 98th in baserunning and a 1.6 BWAR as of 5/25. Your assessment is spot on.
baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/ceddanne-rafa…
baseball-reference.com/players/r/rafaece01.shtml
I guess that now Athletics fans will have to keep track of Newcomb.
They’re not trading Anthony unless it’s for a huge package like the Padres gave up for Soto.
Hank, I think the op was advocating for trading someone else to make room for Roman, not trading him
Platoon hitting Abreu for what Padres? He has hit .194 with a 40 OPS+ vs LHP, so not a big haul. Vasquez?
Abreu is an elite Gold Glover in RF and currently on pace for 35+ HR his sophomore season, with over 4+ more years left on his rookie contract. Padres would need to send at least Salas, and another prospect like Batemen in addition to Vasquez in that proposal… and then Boston would consider it.
Pads hit the nail on the head. Until Abreu starts hitting LHP he will be a platoon OF. A great defensive platoon OF, but just that. Vasquez and his 3.42 ERA might be too much to give up.
You are certainly high. Smoking pine tar probably has done irreparable harm to your brain.
Because of its strange configuration (massive curve to Pesky’s Pole, wall thats only 4 feet high forcing you to deal directly with fans, etc), right field at Fenway is one of the most difficult places to field in all of baseball. Abreu handles it like a champ and would be difficult to replace. We’ll take Abreu’s gold glove and .847 OPS, even if it mostly comes from righty pitchers.
Projected 5.9 BWar for the season and Pads fans dont want to give up decent value for him. We’re good, move along now.
Padres are not giving away Salas for young, unproven OF help or for anyone else for that matter,.
Isnt Salas young and unproven? The irony.
Salas is young and unproven while Abreu has proven he is a defense first player that can’t hit LHP. A platoon player regardless of the pace he is on.
Salas and DeVries were both the #1 International prospects in subsequent years.
A player does not get to be #1 international prospect
or #1 USA draft prospect by being “unproven”.
Salas and Devries both play way beyond their age level
and have been playing baseball most of their lives.
mlb.com/video/breaking-down-ethan-salas
Ethan Salas just turned 18 years old and is already at AA playing against much older competition and players.
Salas could be a starting catcher in the major leagues by age 19 or 20!
His Defense is already 5 stars.
His Offense is catching up to his Defense as he
is rapidly advanced towards the majors.
And yet, #1 draft prospects flame out all the time failing not only to become hall of famers, but, even failing to have meaningful MLB careers.
*ALL* prospects are unproven. Thus the name ‘prospect’…. some are deemed more potential than others but they remain unproven until they demonstrate an ability to play at the highest level with an adequate health
Abreu is a GREAT defensive RF. He is also a bad hitter against LHP.
Thanks for the chuckle about Salas. Maybe the Padres could send Ornelas and Bergert for Abreu.
“bad hitter against LHP”
Wow you guys are obsessed with that fact.
——————
Lets compare:
Abreu Gold Gloves last year: 1
Entire Padres Team: 0
Abreu War: 1.9
Starters on the Pads with more: 2
Abreu RBIs: 28
Starters on the Pads with more: 1
Abreu Runs: 26
Starters on the Pads with more: 2
Abreu OPS+: 133
Starting Padres with more: 2
————-
So Abreu would be the best defender and the third best hitter in the Padres lineup. But ‘Oh No! What about those 24 ABs against left handed pitching. He’s only worth a #4 starter.’
If hitting lefties is so important, shouldnt it affect his numbers more? You people cant see the forest thru the trees.
So they should trade Roman Anthony for pitching as they don’t have a spot for him?
Mullins, Laureano, Ward (Angels playing too well atm)
Mullins looks like he is already playing for the Padres. Big April hitting for power and walking 20 times (25 k’s) with a line .278/.412/.515. In May he has walked twice (22 K’s) and hit .164/.184/.384.
This list of trade targets is one sad bunch.
Mullins is a very streaky player. It’s why he’s never duplicated his star season as that was just a sustained hot streak. In recent years he’s had consistent long periods of hit and cold. The good thing is that his defense is much better than the metrics indicate – his speed and read on balls evidence He’s still a shine average defensive cfer. He’d probably be truly elite in LF. Elite defense, plus speed, and an average bat is still a very valuable player who could greatly improve the padres OF defense and stretch the bottom half of their lineup.
Because 250, 6 HRs, 3 SBs, 650 OPS is somehow a good thing?
Oh wait, I was thinking Adam Frazier!
Red Sox on line one. We’ll pay you to take Yoshida.
They said left fielder not platoon DH.
Yeah, I know. Wishful thinking. Especially the way Gavin Sheets is swinging the bat they don’t need a so-so defense guy with a decent bat. They already have one.
BOSOX take Bogaerts?
Bogaerts with $$$ attached paying the full last three years on his deal is a starting point… or, take yoshida to offset the backend of bogey.
Then the question is throwing in a prospect of varied quality or a RP to even out which of duran/abreu/rafaela were talking.
I miss bogey in Boston, and, loved watching him in the minors since he signed with his brother out of aruba
It’s a mirage, but if Yoshi could play LF passably, how close is Bogaerts for Yoshida + Story? I reckon that the Story + Yoshi’s salary takes Bogaerts average down to ~ $14.6M.
Bogaerts is overpaid by $100M, but Story is painful to watch hit. And maybe a change of scenery might work out for all three players.
Joe, I think bogey has more talent than yoshids and story currently.. so the money might be even, but the productivity doesn’t help SD enough
That would be an interesting scenario of Story and Yoshida being sent to SD for Boegarts. From today through 2027 Story is owed 70.75m, Yoshida is owed 50.25m. So 121m over the next 2.67 years. During that same time the Padres will be paying Boegarts 68m.
I don’t think the Padres would (or could) take on the large increase in short term commitment. The Sox kicking in the salary difference through 2027 with the Padres paying Boegarts last two years might make it more feasible.
That’s a tough one. It would be awesome (from SD’s POV) to free up cash in 2028-2031, but Story looks like a release candidate today and with Yoshida having shoulder surgery who knows what you’re getting from him even as a DH.
What about Boegarts, Robert Saurez and cash for Story and Duran? The Padres would pay 10m/yr of Boegarts salary from 2029-2033.
@GA – Bogaerts the last two seasons is not a better hitter than Yoshida, not even close.
Yoshida now is a shell of his last two seasons, healthwise
His health was fine in spring training when he was smacking the ball around, they used the “rehabbing shoulder to play LF again” as an excuse to manipulate him off of the 40-man roster and make room for Devers at DH, plain and simple.
It’s damn near criminal the way they’ve treated Yoshida tbh, but obviously Devers is the better DH if thats the only spot for Yoshida, which sadly seems to be the case.
Why would they give up their closer?
High – it’s hard to say. Official line is he regressed and the shoulder rehab went backwards with setbacks/complicationd. Since I’m not yoshida, his age t, or a team.docltr, I could not say for sure where the truth lies
“The Sox kicking in the salary difference through 2027 with the Padres paying Boegarts last two years might make it more feasible.”
You cant do that. The salaries are AAV when charged against the Salary Threshold. Bogaerts is charging 25,454,545 against the cap every year. You cant pick years you want someone else to pay.
And the Red Sox would be crazy to take Bogaerts. They do not have salary cap issues right now. In 5 years from now, as young players cost more, they will. Story and Yoshida will be off the cap by then, while Bogaerts would be drawing the number down by $25+M every year until 2033.
They won’t.
Key words, spring training.
Reynolds is also making real money for the next several years. In order to sell low on him (which the bucs are not going to do) they would need to eat a good portion of the contract which might not even be enough for sd’s payroll limitations. And there’s absolutely no way nutting is going to do that even if there was a chance that Pitt would trade one of the few guys on their roster with any offensive ceiling/upside.
If only he could throw. Red Sox just stopped his throwing program and put him on 60 day IL because he had problems in his rehab. I don’t think you could pay another team to take him right now.
Please, nobody tell Preller that O’Hearn shouldn’t actually play OF.
“Until Heyward is healthy or perhaps unless a new addition joins the team.” Huh?
Rafaela to San Diego, Suarez to Boston. Add in a couple other pieces and I think it’s a perfect match
(Throw in Yoshida last second)
I’d rather trade the much older Duran while you can still sell high, than either of the younger/cheaper Gold Glovers in Abreu and Rafaela.
People forget that Duran turns 29 this season and is already making $8 mil, that will quickly climb in arbitration, then he hits Free Agency at age 32… Sell high!!
Typical “homer” Red Sox trade
other team’s All Star Closer
for a few players that your team has given up on and doesn’t want?!
Stick to your “fantasy baseball league”.
I don’t think anyone has given up on rafaela or abreu. I think just about any team would be glad to have either if you’re being honest.
Now, if you saw a trade proposal of Suarez for Hendricks, Yoshida, and some lottery ticket you’d have a point.
Wade should be given first crack at handling LF with Lockridge in against righties
But I wouldn’t be surprised if Preller acquires a 2B 3B 1B rental and tries them out in LF given the lack of OF rental options Luis Urias of the As is hitting well could be tried out in LF. Isiah Kindr Falefa is hitting well could be tried there.
They can have Starling Marte. Jose Azocar is free by the way.
Sugar was DFA’d yesterday, I believe. Maybe he returns!
We need some pop
No to Azocar. No.
Taylor Ward has this year plus 2026 before he’s a free agent. He’s streaky but is lights out when he’s on.
Verdugo or Eli White
They’ve already witnessed Eli’s baserunning skills live in person.
Verdugo for a PTBNL or cash considerations (aka $1) might do it.
That’s way too much money for Verdugo.
Brian Reynolds could be a “change of scenery” candidate
if the Pirates would pick up at least half of his salary for the remainder of that long term contract.
Pirates could use some young pitching prospects.
Nutting? Pay down a multi year contract? In this (or any) economy!? Balderdash lol
I’d like to see Rece Hinds get a chance somewhere. It definitely does not seem to be with the Reds.
Adam Frazier can play LF.
I can’t do 2021 again
But he can’t hit.
Conforto for De Vries seems like a perfect win win…send it in
No. De Vries is not available for anything less than a ludicrous return.
That’s the kind of trade proposal you hear on sports talk radio.
I thought it was obvious but I guess I should have added “/s” after my comment
@JSC – You can have Ludicrous and 50 Cent for De Vries.
@Fernando P – add in a K Pop group to be named later.
Leo Devries is untouchable
unless Boston or another team is willing to
give the Padres a Juan Soto like return of young players and prospects.
Ditto with Ethan Salas.
Both those cornerstone players could be playing in San Diego
by mid 2026 or early 2027 at the latest.
Padres have made them completely untouchable
(unless some GM blows them away with Juan Soto
type deals for each of those future star players.
De Vries has already hit for the cycle this year
and is a serious upgrade @ SS for the Padres.
Padres should hold onto both those young players who will be making splashes in the majors like Jackson Merrill made last year.
Sports-I don’t believe Salas is untouchable anymore with his hitting not progressing. Could definitely see him being dealt in the right deal..and that deal would have to have an impact bat coming back.
Maybe Breslow’s latest plan is to shift Devers from DH to Pads LF
Not happening with that contract.
Nor does Devers seem interested in learning a new position.
Devers has been the best hitter in baseball in May. His OPS for the month has matched Judge’s historic April. Now that he is a full-time DH, I honestly dont think we’ve seen Devers top 3, maybe not even top 5 peak seasons yet.
Use the farm
Atlanta has one lightly used left fielder who’s plenty rested they can have
i don’t get Campusano he hits very well in AAA, but cannot hit in MLB, and he is a terrible catcher seems like players automatically get to second base cause he cannot throw out anyone.
I think he should think about another position to play cause teams know behind the plate he is a liability. He is basically a DH that cannot hit at major league level.
AAAA player for sure.
I think it’s way to soon to right off Campy as a AAAA player. He has 575 PA’s for his career and in 2023 through mid May in 2024 he was very good with the bat:
318 PA
.295/.336/.453 – 120 wRC+
12.6 k%
54 RBI’s, 45 runs
I’m glad he’s on the roster. Diaz I guess is our best hitting catcher but he has stunk. He has 17 AB’s with 2 outs and runners in scoring position and is still waiting for his first hit. He has an OPS in the .400’s with runners on base period. 6 lousy RBI’s in 118 PA and 3 of those were himself via HR.
In the scenario where it’s a close game and it’s getting late and you have Campy and Maldonado on the bench with Diaz up and much needed runs in base, I sure hope it’s Campusano getting the AB and Maldonado can go catch.
I hope they DH Campusano and put Sheets in LF regularly to boost the lineup.
That was a brief period – Pitchers caught on to his cold zones. He is a low average hitter — He does not bring to the table a good DH resume right now.
He is at best a pinch hitter as you stated for low lying C’s — that is something of a problem to keep a rostered player you cannot play anywhere and get good production. I Hope the best for him but he is a .300 hitter in minors and low .220 (career .247) hitter in MLB.
I think he would do well in Japan
You have been looking at the wrong data.
Campusano’s glove hand was hurt by a swing by a Dodgers player on May 12th last season. After that his season went downhill. He can hit in the majors when healthy. If the Padres don’t think he is the future behind the plate, platoon him at DH/1B.
But not today.
No kidding Dan. 4 k’s in a game for a guy that had a 13% k- rate over 473 PA’s in 23-24 was something.
This is the same guy that went 42 PA’s without striking out (end of ’23 into ’24).
Schwellenbach and the Braves pitching was on their game. Padres struck out 13 times.
Campusano hasn’t gotten a hit in his 11 AB this season but still has a better OBP than Tatis or Sheets at .353. 6 BB and 6 SO. Baseball is a crazy game.
I think that Heyward will be DFAed sooner or later.
Am surprised he has not been DFA’d thought he was done with the last few years with Chicago, then had a comeback season with LAD, but that was the last glimmer for him.
He had a the contract of a lifetime with Cubs turned out to be a bust for the money.
Preller to call “jack master of all trades” A’s Billy Beane – he is back – and ask for JJ Bleday. Mayfield and Cruz shall do the the trick for Billy boy to pull the trigger…
Yanks can send top ten org prospect Everson Pereira who is more than ready plus a bullpen arm for Dylan Cease who has underperformed.
Pereira *may be* a bit overvalued there.
Bleday, andujar from A’s I’m sure are available
Jarren Duran get ready to learn Padres. Think he’s a nice fit and there’s definitely a buy and sell opportunity for the Red Sox there.
Why would Boston give him up?
Guy called Roman Anthony. Should look him up
Sure a good prospect. But so. Can’t keep four OFs? Duran is making nothing and a good player.
Duran is making 8 mil this year and turns 29 in a few months, that’s not quite nothing, especially with arbitration likely to give him a big increase each of the mext 3 seasons.
There’s a guy named Jarred Kelenic. You should look him up. Not all highly ranked prospects realize their potential.
I hope this helps you develop some critical thinking. It could change your life and your outlook on things. Get real.
MLBF, critical thinking would be knowing that Kelenic profiled as a different player to Anthony when it comes to skills that transfer to the majors, e.g. knowing and controlling the strike zone. Not only that but controlling the strike zone against both lefties and righties.
Maybe some confirmation bias as I think Anthony looks awesome, but it is you who requires some critical thinking if you think every top prospect is the same.
Duran is making $3.85 million. Leads the league in triples and has 33 RBIs.
Jarren Duran is a nice fit on 30 MLB clubs.
“Brian Reynolds would cost a lot less”
Of course he would, he sux. And youre stuck with him until 2030.
Oscar Colas or Chris Taylor…
Colas might turn into another Gavin Sheets, and he’s young he’s 26. Definitely has a shot to be unlocked.
I think giving CT3 a month w a regular job would be worth a shot. as a Dodger fan its hard not to think its over watching him at the plate the last few years but in the end he was playing maybe once a week. hard to get anything going. be tough to see him in a SD uni but I’d be rooting for him. doesn’t cost much to take a look either.
I think that is about as much time as he will have in OC. If Moore continues to hit at AAA then Taylor is just holding a seat for him.
Take Starling Marte. Please.
Why do you hate Bleday?
(not) Mitchell Page is just mad and miserable since “his” A’s are on a good losing streak and that the A’s fans are giving their frustrations and chanting “Let’s Go Oakland!” at the games.
Because he’s a bad baseball player.
@Gywnning Grisham for Arraez! 😉
Trent is balling out this season!
John Grisham? Deal! 😛
A lightly used DVD copy of the rainmaker (which is actually a really good movie ftr) for arraez lol
Reminds me off the offseason post when a MLBTR writer got hammered for suggesting that the Padres had a weak outfield mix.
Ooh! Ooh! I know! What about James Wood!?
Every time I hear the name James wood I picture the family guy skits with the trap box and trail of candy eaten off the ground… gets me every time
Bring Renfroe back, maybe?
Ian Happ is available
Locastro is a marginal journeyman.
Hunter Renfroe as soon as he clears waivers
I would prob try Arraez there and see how it goes.
The Padres should extend Arreaz as soon as possible, Arreaz makes that team click.
They should also trade their starters, Cease and King, and shouldnt worry about an OF this season.
But, if they decide to play for the WS in ’25, and are looking to add an OF, Luis Robert could be a Padre next week for relatively little in return.
If they extend Arraez it gets interesting in the not too distant future when Leo De Vries becomes the teams SS. With how aggressive the team is with their top prospects I fully expect him to be there by opening day 2027.
You would then have Boegarts, Cronenworth and Arraez signed long term for 1b, 2b & DH.
Love Arraez but that scenario does give me some serious pause. Not to mention his free agent market likely isn’t going to be so strong that you have to fret getting him locked up before then. Maybe his market isn’t great and he takes a 2 year deal with the 2nd year being a player option which would be ideal keeping for 2026 and not way beyond.
Both SS DeVries and C Ethan Salas will likely be playing in San Diego by mid 2026.
No clue why people keep saying Salas will be up next year..
HE HAS TO PROVE HE CAN HIT.
I’d say he’s at least 2 years away..and that’s IF he shows any life with the bat.
Its doubtful that Salas will get a call up next season. He is hurt right now and will not be back until mid-July. While Salas’ defense and game generalship is strong enough that most scouts and other baseball execs think he could do great at that part of the game in the majors right now, MLB catchers still need to hit at least their weight or close to it. I have doubts that he can right now. Maybe after his back heals. I think he spends the rest of this season in AA and next season he splits between AA and AAA then is called up to start the 2027 season at age 20.
De Vries is another story, Padres personnel I spoke with in Fort Wayne felt that he may not be with the team by the break. That he will get a call up to AA by late June or early July. That would put him on track to join the Padres mid-2026. He truly is “El Mutante”.
Acee said it, so you know it’s wrong. 100%.
100%. Go get him Pads Fan. It’s not like you have a hole in left field.
Padres don’t need a LF. They need their RF to start hitting again. He has hit .195 in May.
Was Jackson Merrill credited with 2 years of service time for 2024 yet?
No team in baseball has gotten less from left field than the padres. I’m good if they don’t feel the need to to upgrade. Seems highly likely though.
Lane tohmaas from the guardians might be a good cheap pickup
Thomas?
Tatis has been struggling in May. He needs to be moved down in the lineup and Arraez moved back into #1 slot.
What Tatis needs is to have dudes on base when he comes up to bat. And with the bottom 3 of the Padres lineup being a bottomless pit that will never happen if they keep batting him leadoff.
Andujar would be a good fit. Pirates gave up on him way too soon.
Brian Reynolds too.
Stone Garrett has a 833 OPS at MLB level with solid outfield play
As a LF –
Lockridge – 30 PA – .259/.310/.370/.681 with 90 OPS+
Heyward – 81 PA – .181/.238/.292/.529 with 48 OPS+
Oscar Gonzales – 42 PA – .195/.214/.220/.434 with 23 OPS+
No one else had more than 12 PA.
Let Lockridge start consistently. See what you have. He won’t be worse than Heyward and he plays exceptional defense. DFA Heyward.
I wanted Detroit to go for Reynolds of Pittsburgh awhile back.
We will give them Chris Taylor for their top 3 prospects.
Just leave Dylan Cease in Atlanta and you can take any or all left fielders on MLB, AAA, AA, A Rosters. Left fielders only! Right fielder or Center fielder not available. But would throw in a slightly over/under thinking Manager!
Like please take some of the players from my O’s. “If Baltimore can’t turn around its shocking disappointing season.” Definitely not shocking to anyone with a damn brain that saw this past offseason in my opinion. Elias and co. may have helped some but holy crap did they fail this past offseason, and everyone knew it, even the diehard fans that held on to any and all hope. We’re not going anywhere this year without the most prodigious and crazy miracle imaginable.
Trade a few prospects for some starting pitching for the Orioles.
Kevin Pillar is on the market soon.
Eguy Time!!!
Connor Joe hitting .320 with Reds.
There are plenty of people over the past week who have been designated for assignment or released. If they want someone who is the equivalent or higher, the bar is set low without needing to make a trade.
Like someone with Brian Reynolds ilk.
padres can pick up chris taylor from the dodgers
Maybe they should give James Wood a look…oh…wait…
The Padres can send one more prospect to the Nats for Alex Call. He’s cheap and still has minor league options.
Or Brian Reynolds of Pittsburgh
Package Boston Bateman and Tirso Ornelas with Suarez and send them to Miami for Sandy Alcantara and Kyle Stowers.
I like it boltz82. Though Miami doesn’t need Suarez, so keep him and replace with Bradgeley Rodriguez and make the trade just for Stowers
I thought Ornelas just got outrightly by another team? Could be thinking of someone with a similar name
Different Ornelas.
Stowers is 27 years old has a .394 BABip and a HR% that is more than double his career average. His BA will drop 80 points, his SLG 80-100 points, and his OPS 160-180 points by the end of the season. That means the Padres would be buying his declining phase this season.
Alcantara is toast. 8.04 ERA and is owed nearly $30 million.
Take Suarez and Bateman out of that, replace them with a relief prospect like Rodriguez or Haynes and it might be a trade worth making for the Padres if the Marlins are willing to eat half of what Alcantara is owed.
It’s never gonna happen but please take Yoshida
Red Sox send Abreu and $40 million along with Yoshida for a couple of mid-level pitching prospects?
I think that’s dreaming
Yoshida is a detriment to any trade. He is owed so much money and is at best a platoon DH. Including him in the trade that means after eating $40 million, the Red Sox will have to include a player of value in order to get anything of value back. Abreu has good value, even if he is a defense first platoon OF.
Without Abreu the Red Sox would have to eat $45.8 million of Yoshida’s remaining salary owed or all except the major league minimum for 2025-2027 plus include a mid=level prospect like Fitts and accept a couple of low to mid level prospects in return for Yoshida.
The way to think about his value in trade is this, if Yoshida was a FA right now, what would he sign for? 1 year and $3-4 million is the consensus.
I was actually saying it’s a dream because I dont think the Padres would even want that deal
Gotcha
I’d rather have a straight up dump then trade Abreu
Yelich, for $1, but you take the whole contract (yes, pipe dream)
I’m just a Tigers fan, but what about Reynolds from Pittsburgh? A change of scenery in a more competitive environment could help.
I think his contract is a bit much…
You can have Profar back. I’m sure the Tatis family still has some roids for him
Shhhhhhh…your team signed him.
If Padres have an open spot on their IL they can always acquire Benny from whitesoxs
Maybe St. Louis would trade Jordon Walker who isn’t having any success for the second year in a row. Perhaps a change of scenery would work for Walker. Cards could use bullpen help and the Padres are flush in that department.
Damn, after the 6th comment in this thread trying to dump Reynolds on SD I thought you were a wishful Pirates fan.
Yeah because Preller is always sitting on the sidelines never making moves.
He can’t…he’s hurt.
Do the Padres have any mid-tier relievers available? Maybe the Mets could trade a piece like Mauricio/plus for a solid seventh or eighth-inning arm.
Not necessarily mid-tier, but maybe Jason Adam could be had? Might be expensive to obtain, though. Offer up for Wandy if you need a southpaw.
I’m sure Peralta, Matsui, or possibly Estrada could be had depending on the deal.
Peralta?
Wandy, not David.
Not with his long-term contract.
2025 Contract Status: Signed thru 2030, 8 yrs/$106.75M (23-30) & 31 team option
To all those who like to defend the Soto trade on the grounds that it led to them acquiring Dylan Cease.
1. Drew Thorpe wasn’t the only prospect they gave up in that trade.
2. Cease has a 4.58 ERA so far this year.
3. Cease is GAWN after 2025 and at this rate I’m not even sure they go to the QO.
Cease started off slow this year.
He will pick up the pace and finish strong.
Cease is in his contract walk year.
If he has a bad year, then his value drops on the free agent market and he won’t want that.
Lotto numbers please.
Since cease isn’t doing the job, according to you, for about trading him for James Outman?
Come on trader Joe. And it frees up some money? Such a great deal for the Padres.
:p
Rob Refshnider and Nick Sogard for Luis Arriez
Stowers can just stay in SD. He’s from the area anyway.
I have no idea who is being straight and who is messing, but this is the best thread I have read in ages!