The San Diego Padres have another window of opportunity that could finally get them their first World Series title and should become buyers at the upcoming trade deadline.
Due to injuries, San Diego has suffered in its starting pitching and hitting, which had been considered a top-three lineup going into the season.
The team lacks depth in pitching and Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and surprise Gavin Sheets have been the catalysts so far with the bats.
We break down potential trade options for the Padres and explain why the window of opportunity is still available for the team out West.
Padres Approach to the Trade Deadline
Time is Starting to Run out for the Core Players
Some may see this as an extreme perspective, but the main core of this ball club is beginning to battle Father Time.
Six-time All-Star Manny Machado is continuing to produce at a high level despite being in the latter half of his career. Currently, the Platinum Glove winner (recognizes the best overall defensive player) has a .303 batting average and is in the top 40 for RBIs in baseball. San Diego must take advantage of Machado’s production before Father Time catches up with him.
Tatis has continued to deliver time and time again this season, vaulting himself as a top-three player in the MLB. But the young superstar needs more than Machado to help pick him up.
Shortstop Xander Bogaerts and Second Baseman Jake Cronenworth have been disappointments again this season after the Padres rewarded both with hefty contracts. The former Red Sox shortstop has four home runs and a poor .249 batting average.
Additionally, the young core looks promising with Center Fielder Jackson Merrill, but is he going to be a player the team can rely on after having two separate stints on the IL so far this season?
Potential Trade Options
1. Left Fielder
Left Field has been a problem all season for the Friars. San Diego lost Jurickson Profar to free agency and replaced him with veteran Jason Heyward, who is currently on the IL and was just designated for assignment after posting an abysmal .176 batting average in 2025.
Jarren Duran: Duran has been the most linked player to the Padres as a potential trade deadline option. The Boston Red Sox outfielder had a break-out season in 2024 but has slumped this season. A change of scenery could be the best thing for the California player. However, some experts think this trade won’t happen due to Boston asking for pitching in return as San Diego is still figuring out their rotation.
Taylor Ward: The Los Angeles Angels outfielder could be another great fit for San Diego. The Angels could be sellers at the trade deadline as they continue to slide in the standings. The Padres may have to ship out Cronenworth in the deal or could put together a package of minor-league players.
2. Starting Pitcher
Starting pitching has been a problem of late for San Diego. Michael King and Yu Darvish‘s return to the mound remains unclear as the starting rotation continues to get thinner. Matt Waldron is expected to return from the IL of an oblique strain, but what he can give the Padres is a big question mark. Dylan Cease can be solid in the regular season, but his postseason performances have not been reliable. Making the case that the Padres need another arm on the mound to make a postseason run.
Sandy Alcantara: The Miami Marlins pitcher has been rumored to be on the trade block in 2025. San Diego could throw in Wandy Peralta and Luis Campusano as part of the deal. The other option could be a package of minor-league players as well.
Freddy Peralta: Peralta has been a solid arm during his time with the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite being in contention the Brewers have shown in the past that they’re not afraid to trade away their top pitchers (Josh Hader, Corbin Burnes, and Devin Williams). Peralta could be a vital piece to help San Diego correct its pitching woes and help them compete for a Wild Card berth. The Brewers standout is also due an $8 million salary in 2025 and an $8 million club option for 2026, making him a great bargain if Milwaukee is willing to move him.
As San Diego approaches the trade deadline, these are the two positions of need for the Padres. The team out in sunny San Diego is in a brutal National League among the likes of the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, and the New York Mets.
Padres General Manager A.J. Preller has shown over the years that he’s a buyer at the trade deadline and will most likely add pieces to a roster that has World Series aspirations.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
