The San Diego Padres are one of the many bubble teams in Major League Baseball this season and have an interesting road ahead.
The trade deadline is just a week away, and as more teams fall further from playoff contention, the market will open up.
The Padres are a team that is good enough to make the playoffs on paper, but the combination of several roster holes and being in a tough Wild Card race means that San Diego needs to get bold.
MLB insider/analyst Jon Morosi explained that the Padres are a team that could both sell and buy at the trade deadline.
“The Padres are open-minded to buy and sell,” said Morosi. “Perhaps you trade [Dylan] Cease, who has an expiring contract, to replenish some of your minor league depth. And then use that new prospect depth to go out there and make a package for Sandy Alcantara… Steven Kwan is a possibility.
“I think they are more buyer than seller, but if you sell Dylan Cease and bring back some prospects, you’re able to strengthen your roster for the long-term.”
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
San Diego is known to be aggressive when they make moves, and this would be no exception. A.J. Preller will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
The Padres need an outfielder, a catcher and pitching help. They have been linked to Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran and have been calling non-stop about his services.
Duran is probably more likely to be moved than Kwan, but both would be great fits in San Diego.
Expect the Padres to pull off some stunning trades in the next week.
More MLB: Cubs predicted to land All-Star starting pitcher at trade deadline