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 unless 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.
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.
That was the original title of MONEY BALL
You throw more conspiracies around than Cease does pitches! Keep on truckin’ towin.
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.
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.
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
I think Preller would if he was cut loose and SD only had to pay the minimum.
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.
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.
They’re not trading Anthony unless it’s for a huge package like the Padres gave up for Soto.
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.
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?
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)
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.
JJ Bleday perfect for left field
Verdugo or Eli White
They’ve already witnessed Eli’s baserunning skills live in person.
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.
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
Maybe Breslow’s latest plan is to shift Devers from DH to Pads LF
Not happening with that contract.
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.
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…
Billy Beane has long left the A’s
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.
Oscar Colas or Chris Taylor…
Take Starling Marte. Please.
Jesus they have Tim Locastro just call him up otherwise hit up A’s for JJ Bleday
Hell I would trade you JJ Bleday for Tim Locastro and any bullpen guy in their minors over 6’2 that can throw 98 /100
Why do you hate Bleday?
@Gywnning Grisham for Arraez! 😉
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!?
Bring Renfroe back, maybe?