The San Diego Padres, who are currently 6.5 games out of a wild-card spot in the National League, have reportedly signaled their willingness to consider trade offers for some of their top players.
According to reports, outfielder Juan Soto, starting pitcher Blake Snell, and closer Josh Hader are all on the trading block.
The news broke as Jon Heyman of the New York Post revealed that the Padres are actively listening to trade offers for these three standout players.
However, despite their current position in the standings, the Padres are not ruling out the possibility of being buyers in the trade market ahead of the approaching August 1 trade deadline, as stated by Heyman.
Soto, who was acquired by the Padres in a blockbuster trade with the Washington Nationals during last season’s trade deadline, has been a key player for the team.
Although he struggled initially after the trade, the 24-year-old outfielder has made a strong comeback in the 2023 season. With an impressive .918 OPS, 20 home runs, 62 RBIs, and a league-leading 95 walks in 103 games, Soto has shown why he is one of the most sought-after talents in the league.
His contract with the Padres is set to run until the conclusion of the 2024 campaign.
On the pitching front, both Blake Snell and Josh Hader are attracting significant attention from other teams. Snell, who leads all MLB starting pitchers with a remarkable 2.61 ERA, could prove to be a game-changer for any contender looking to bolster their rotation.
Meanwhile, Josh Hader, with 24 saves and an astonishingly low 0.95 ERA, is regarded as one of the top closers in the National League.
The impending free agency of Snell and Hader at the end of the season could be a factor motivating the Padres to explore potential trade options. By putting these star players on the market, the Padres are looking to make strategic moves that could strengthen their roster and build for the future.
As the trade deadline approaches, teams will likely intensify their pursuit of the Padres top talents, hoping to strike a deal that could potentially change the landscape of the league and propel their playoff ambitions.
It’s a very strange situation the Padres find themselves in. They entered the season as one of the favorites to win the World Series. Needless to say, they and the Mets are the most disappointing teams in the league.
Should San Diego trade Soto and some of their other stars at the deadline?
Who do you blame for San Diego’s disappointing season?