The San Diego Padres are heading toward the trade deadline as one of the clubs looking for help, and A.J. Preller may have a familiar kind of target in mind: a move that leans all the way in.
The Boston Red Sox are not being treated like a team that has to sell, but they are also in the group that should think hard about it. That opens the door for the Padres president of baseball operations to chase a name that could matter in October.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield pointed to Red Sox All-Star Sonny Gray as a fit, even while noting the obstacles attached to a deal.
"As mentioned, [Sonny] Gray's contract situation and salary will make a trade difficult (Jeff and Kiley put his trade odds at 25%), but the one general manager we know who loves to make unconventional moves is A.J. Preller, so going after Gray might be right up his alley, especially if the Padres' new owners are willing to add to the payroll," ESPN's David Schoenfield wrote.
Gray has been rolling for Boston this season, posting a 9-1 record and a 2.69 ERA across 15 starts. He also flirted with history over the weekend, carrying a no-hitter into the eighth inning against the New York Yankees.
For now, the idea is just something to watch. The Padres should keep Gray on their board, but they are not the only National League team that could get involved.
And if San Diego did land him, there’s a case for Gray to slot in as the No. 2 starter behind Michael King. He also brings postseason experience, with a 3.26 ERA in 30.1 playoff innings.
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