The 2025 MLB trade deadline is an important time for the San Diego Padres. With needs in a few key areas, the Padres are looking to make a few moves to bolster the roster and fight off the rest of the wild card field to secure a postseason spot.
Less than four days away from the deadline, the Padres have been in multiple rumors, but have yet to swing a deal or go deep into negotiations. But, there’s still plenty of time, and with A.J. Preller commanding the ship, the Padres are expected to be active.
When is the MLB Trade Deadline?
Major League Baseball’s 2025 trade deadline is on Thursday, July 31st, at 6:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, or 3:00 P.M. Western.
Once the deadline passes, no MLB trades can occur, though sometimes a deal will be announced shortly after the deadline passes. But, as long as it’s submitted to MLB before the deadline, a deal can pass.
What Can the Padres Do?
The current roster needs to improve in two key areas, and if they make certain other roster moves, two other areas of the roster could use additions.
San Diego’s biggest need is in the outfield, specifically, a left fielder. While Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill are great, the current rotation in left field isn’t working. Gavin Sheets has been a fine stopgap, but the team needs to add a new outfielder.
Also, if the Padres want to commit to Sheets in left field, they could explore additions at designated hitter. A player like Marcell Ozuna from the Braves could be an option. But, ideally, the Padres look to bring in a left fielder and move Sheets to DH.
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Another top need for the Padres is a new catcher. Martin Maldonado and Elias Diaz haven’t been great offensively, nor defensively. Finding an upgrade at catcher would be ideal, but unlike in the outfield, there aren’t a ton of options.
Preller could also look to target a starting pitcher, especially if the rumors about Dylan Cease getting traded come true. In the final year of his deal, Cease could be dealt to improve elsewhere on the roster.
Similarly, Robert Suarez, expected to decline his $8 million player options, will be a free agent. The Padres could ship the MLB saves leader off to another contender for a decent return, and use said return to bolster other areas of the roster.
While Luis Arraez and Jake Cronenworth are also potential trade candidates, which could open the infield as a need, those moves are much less likely to occur than a Cease or Suarez deal at the deadline.
A left fielder, catcher, starting pitcher, and bullpen are the top four needs for the Padres at the trade deadline. Meanwhile, Dylan Cease and Robert Suarez are the two MLB talents most likely to be dealt at the deadline by Preller and the Padres.
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