3 Most Likely Padres Trade Targets at the Deadline

The San Diego Padres are off to another terrific start, tied for the NL West division lead with the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers. San Diego wants to do everything in its power to eliminate the second-half collapse the team suffered a year ago, and there may be no better option than landing a key piece at the upcoming MLB Trade Deadline.

San Diego's roster is deep, even with the injury to Fernando Tatis Jr., but there's still a couple of clear holes management needs to fill before the deadline.

The MLB trade deadline is Aug. 2, and these three players are the most likely to be targeted by the Padres.

Padres Trade Rumors

1. Andrew Benintendi, LF — Kansas City Royals

If you asked for the Padres' biggest need at the end of April, there was two: an outfield bat and a reliable catcher. Jorge Alfaro has flipped the catcher need on its head thanks to his recent play, leading San Diego with one clear-cut need. Andrew Benintendi should be at the top of the Padres' wishlist heading into the deadline. The Kansas City Royals aren't going anywhere this season and they're likely to be big sellers in July. Enter a young outfielder who has been hitting everything in sight. Benintendi is slashing .296/.362/.392 with 25 RBIs, but also brings a Gold Glove and World Series championship experience to the belt. The price will be high for his services.

2. Austin Meadows, LF/RF — Detroit Tigers

Austin Meadows is a much cheaper option who accomplishes much of the same. Meadows isn't nearly the same outfield defender as Benintendi, but he offers the Padres more power in his bat. Meadows hit 27 homers and 100+ RBIs a year ago but has struggled this season. His lack of defense can be dealt with because of his friendly contract, under control through the 2024 campaign. With Wil Myers and Trent Grisham both hitting below .235, and providing slugging under .330, a power bat is desperately needed.

3. Carl Edwards Jr., RP — Washington Nationals

As is the case with nearly all 30 MLB franchises, contending teams need to consider adding bullpen help at the deadline. That's no different for San Diego. The starting rotation ranks sixth in baseball with a 3.44 ERA mark, but the bullpen is ninth. Carl Edwards Jr. is a great solution from a bad Washington Nationals squad. Washington has no shot in the NL East standings and Edwards brings a wealth of MLB experience (eight years) to the table. He pitched very briefly for the Padres in 2019, but has his stuff back on track. Edwards owns a 2.82 ERA, 0.806 WHIP and has allowed just seven earned runs across 22.1 innings this year.

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