While the San Diego Padres are expected to be buyers at the MLB trade deadline, the Padres could still look to sell off some of their players. Of course, to compete, any sale will have to go towards a World Series run this season.
According to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN, the Padres could look to cut ties with a veteran at the deadline this season. There are four players that Gonzalez predicts could be moved if A.J. Preller decides to buy and sell at the deadline.
"The Padres have several high-profile players who can hit the market this offseason," Gonzalez writes, "Dylan Cease, Michael King, Robert Suarez, Luis Arraez -- and a few others who can hit the open market after 2026."
Those expiring contracts could be moved to open up some money, as well as contribute to trades for other players who can make an impact on the roster.
"Don't be surprised to see Preller leverage at least one of those players," Gonzalez writes, "and their salaries, to help fill multiple needs."
San Diego will look to add a catcher and left fielder at the trade deadline, with bullpen and starting pitching also being areas to monitor. If the Padres were to move one of King or Cease, a starting pitcher would surely be higher on the team's priorities at the deadline.
MORE: Padres 'don't match up' with Red Sox in trade for All-Star MVP
All four could fetch a nice return, even if they aren't ideal trade targets. Arraez is a solid hitter still, and can play second base, one of the positions with the weakest trade market at this year's deadline.
King and Cease, as starters, could fetch a strong return in a deal. There are plenty of contenders in the market for a starting pitcher, and if the Padres can parlay one of them into an upgrade in left field or at catcher, then moving on from one might be worth it.
Suarez, meanwhile, is expected to test free agency, and at 34 years old, the Padres would be wise to let him walk. But, they could also, thanks to an incredible bullpen surrounding him, trade the current saves leader for a solid package.
A rental reliever won't fetch a ton, but Suarez has the most saves (29) in baseball and could bring home a decent prospect or two if a deal is desperate enough for bullpen help.
The Padres are predicted to move on from one of their veterans at the trade deadline. This report indicates that the Padres aren't viewing 2025 as an all-in year, and instead, are planning to contend beyond just 2025 despite the expiring deals of key players.
MORE MLB NEWS:
- Padres make Dylan Cease, Michael King trade deadline decisions
- Tigers 'make a lot of sense' in trade for $275 million All-Star third baseman
- Tigers expected to aggressively pursue impact closer at trade deadline
- Astros named a 'strong trade fit' for Braves three-time All-Star silver slugger
- MLB insider reveals Guardians' trade demands for Steven Kwan
- MLB insider reveals three relievers Cardinals are most likely to trade