When general manager A.J. Preller made five deals at the trade deadline, he wasn’t just thinking about a deep postseason run this October.
In a recent article on MLB.com, Padres’ beat reporter AJ Cassavell voices his belief that fans are overlooking another crucial aspect of Preller’s moves—how they ensure future success.
San Diego’s offense was in desperate need of a left fielder and catcher. Instead of waiting until the offseason, the Padres brought in outfielder Ramon Laureano and catcher Freddy Fermin at the deadline to fill those holes. Now, San Diego’s future looks even brighter.
Impact of Padres’ deadline acquisitions
Laureano’s numbers are up in his 25 games with San Diego, as he’s slashing .315/.370/.598 with six homers and 20 RBI.
“I’ve just continued to be myself,” he said, per Cassavell. “Same thing I’ve been doing in Baltimore.”
Laureano’s $6.5 million team option for 2026 now looks like a steal, and it seems likely he’ll be the Padres’ Opening Day left fielder, per Cassavell.
Meanwhile, the deal for Fermin was much more risky. Bringing a catcher into a new organization midseason isn’t easy because it takes time to develop chemistry with pitchers. But so far, Fermin has acclimated himself well.
“The learning process with them, doing it in such important games, such important moments, I think there’s a benefit to it,” he said.
And Fermin is under team control through the 2029 season. That puts the Padres in a great position for this season and beyond.
While not everyone is a fan of Preller’s risk-taking tendencies, his deadline moves are certainly paying off.
