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Trade Deadline
#11 · July 23, 2025, 2:53 am
Quote from sportwarrior on July 22, 2025, 11:38 pmA rumor dropped tonight that we're looking at domestic abuser Marcell Ozuna in exchange for Francis Pena and Ryan Bergert.
If I could speak on behalf of the Padres, I'd politely say "absolutely f*cking not."
Saw that in a number of media outlets A bit surprised since the Padres have been big on "character". The incident was 4 years ago so maybe the Padres have done their due diligence and see a reformed Ozuna?
Just from a player trade perspective, my first reaction was an "over pay" for a rental who is still owed about $5-6MM for the year ... albeit he is having a good season (not great) and is a RHH with power, at least that looks good on the surface. Looking deeper, he was really hot in Apr-May but cold in Jun-Jul, has not hit well AWAY from ATL, and is now exclusively a DH.
I can see dealing Pena (Padres have RP depth and Pena is only having a so-so season in AAA). However, given Ozuna is a rental (and not really hitting now), Bergert seems a lot to move with the Padres needing SP if King does not return and Darvish does not get his act together ... then the FA in 2026.
Maybe Preller has to go "higher" if he is trying to get ATL to eat money from Ozuna's contract (needed from a payroll standpoint?). Gamble yes but maybe the development of Baez and Nett in AA set a cushion to move Bergert (and we really don't know the Padre view of Bergert's upside).
Ryan Ludwick less the defense? Given Ozuna's recent performance not comfortable with the deal if it comes down. Could be a case of extreme need and no alternatives available forcing Preller's hand.
Side: in 2011 Padres in a multi-team deal acquired Ryan Ludwick (who was a good hitter but was a total washout in SD) for a promising young arm but not projected as a star ... Corey Kluber! He did go on to with two Cy Young awards. Let us not have history repeat itself.
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MrPadre19
#12 · July 23, 2025, 7:12 am
Cease, Suarez, and Arraez are our best movable assets( especially if the Pads aren't spending money next year!)
If guys like Peralta and Matsui are coveted, then certainly they become assets as well. Hell, even if someone enquired about Adam, he would certainly be in play for a bat that would fit in LF or C( obviously packaged with some one else)
The only 1 of the top 3 I'd be bummed about losing is Arraez, just because he's fun to watch( this is after all, just entertainment, right?) And I think he's the only 1 that'll make a difference in the post season( Cease just can't be trusted, Suarez never comes up big in big moments?).
Someone will offer something of value before the deadline. AJ just needs to hold the line. And please do not sell out tomorrow for today! FTJ, Manny, Merrill all still have lead in the pencil. Our window doesn't close this October.
#13 · July 23, 2025, 7:34 am
Don't get a lot of chances to succeed in the playoffs, go to the World Series ... and that is the objective ... so see Preller trying to push that for 2025 given even with the fan frustration with the team performance and the performance of various players (at various times) ... consider the other teams in the NL have their own issues (a lot of issues). Consider:
Padres have 46 losses and in the 3rd Wild Card slot ... that is only 5 losses more than the best teams in the NL (Cubs, Brewers at 41). They have only 3 losses more than the LAD for the top spot in the NL West. Plus they have a 3 game advantage in the loss column over SF and 4 over CINN and STL ... the closest pursuing teams for a playoff slot. A couple of good weeks can shuffle that a lot and Preller is not going to assume their failure ... so expect adds to push the Padres forward.
#14 · July 23, 2025, 2:01 pm
https://www.mlb.com/news/cubs-rumors-latest-trades-and-signings
Cubbies are also looking at Eugenio Suarez for 3B. AJ should move in quick before Chicago throws all their good toys to the Zoners.
#15 · July 23, 2025, 2:12 pm
Quote from fenn68 on July 23, 2025, 7:34 amDon't get a lot of chances to succeed in the playoffs, go to the World Series ... and that is the objective ... so see Preller trying to push that for 2025 given even with the fan frustration with the team performance and the performance of various players (at various times) ... consider the other teams in the NL have their own issues (a lot of issues). Consider:
Padres have 46 losses and in the 3rd Wild Card slot ... that is only 5 losses more than the best teams in the NL (Cubs, Brewers at 41). They have only 3 losses more than the LAD for the top spot in the NL West. Plus they have a 3 game advantage in the loss column over SF and 4 over CINN and STL ... the closest pursuing teams for a playoff slot. A couple of good weeks can shuffle that a lot and Preller is not going to assume their failure ... so expect adds to push the Padres forward.
That's the thing, I just don't Cease or Suarez as pieces that will move us past the other NL contenders. Once King returns, he, Pivetta, and Darvish are your playoff rotation. If either King or Darvish can't make it, Vasquez is your number 4( he's kept us in every game).
As for Suarez, any number of RP can close out a game, and have done so this year.
I just really hope AJ makes the smart choice( as he did with Soto) and gets something of value for these guys.
#16 · July 23, 2025, 3:45 pm
Rumor (speculation) that Adley Rutchman (BALT) could (should) be a target for an upgrade a C. BALT is out of contention and may be "disenchanted" with Rutchman.
Some will look at Rutchman and see a player not living up to his earlier projection ... some will see a recently injured player decline in production.
Others will see a 27 year old switch hitting catcher ... low base salary at $6MMish ($2MM remainder of the season) ... controlled via arbitration for two more year.
Padres need an upgrade at C now and a ML quality C for the next few seasons. Rutchman even in his 2025 decline grades out a better hitter than Diaz or Maldonado and grades out a better defensive option than either of those two. Plus at 27 has some chance in a new environment to bounce back to being an above average C both offensively and defensively. Good catchers are just hard to find.
Seems like a good target ... cost in prospects (probably pitching) is a question. Probably could get BALT to eat some money for a better array of prospects or even take someone like Peralta / Matsui to reduce the hit.
#17 · July 23, 2025, 4:00 pm
RE: the Cease speculation ... reports are that the NYM, NYY, BOST, and CUBS have "interest" ... should not be read as a deal in the works ... yet.
The prevailing thinking is that Padres would deal Cease for "multiple" low cost pieces with one potentially upgrading the 2025 current roster then take the "savings" to make a more costly add.
Makes sense given the situation ... except one speculation is they may use that "savings" to go after ancient Charlie Morton for the rotation.
#18 · July 23, 2025, 4:25 pm
SOURCE: Trade talks between #Padres and #Braves have intensified. The #Padres are very interested in landing Marcell Ozuna. According to the source, the #Braves would receive Padres' No. 18 prospect RHP Francis Peña and No. 21 prospect RHP Ryan Bergert.
This would be a stupid and bad move. Ryan Bergert was a big part of the reason where the Padres are now. The Padres are always sayingthey are looking for pitching. IMO, losing Bergert to a rental, who is hitting only .235 avg, would be a huge mistake.
#19 · July 23, 2025, 8:20 pm
Quote from ultratvfan on July 23, 2025, 4:25 pmSOURCE: Trade talks between #Padres and #Braves have intensified. The #Padres are very interested in landing Marcell Ozuna. According to the source, the #Braves would receive Padres' No. 18 prospect RHP Francis Peña and No. 21 prospect RHP Ryan Bergert.
This would be a stupid and bad move. Ryan Bergert was a big part of the reason where the Padres are now. The Padres are always sayingthey are looking for pitching. IMO, losing Bergert to a rental, who is hitting only .235 avg, would be a huge mistake.
Darren Smith isn't someone who is trying to break news, but does have good Padres sources. He mentioned today, from someone within the Padres organization, to ignore anything linking the Padres to Ozuna.
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lafnboy13fenn68
#20 · July 24, 2025, 2:27 am
With Hart (LHP) surprising pitching well in his two RP appearances this month and Cruz (LHP) in EP (except for Jun) pitching well as a SP/RP in a difficult environment ... might Preller try to move LHRP Matsui and/or Peralta in deals as a payroll savings strategy? Both Hart and Cruz have multi-inning credentials so could fill that long RP role and spot starter. That profile could also make Hoeing (RHRP) available (recently optioned to EP) ... he might have even better appeal to some as a RP option.
Matsui has not been effective recently ... so probably harder to move but big need for RP and in a package someone might take the gamble to balance out a package. Peralta has pitched better (decent ERA) so might have some appeal.
Just trying to consider other trade chips that might enhance a package for a better return. Of course, Hart and Cruz may be elevating themselves to better trade chips. It is Preller, so?