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.
In Other News...
Padres Humiliation Just Changed Everything About Their Trade Deadline
The Padres have reached a point where even the calendar feels urgent. After five straight losses and a record hovering just above .500, San Diego is no longer shopping from a position of strength, and the rotations inability to get deep into games has only added to the pressure as the trade deadline approaches.
A night like the one against the Cubs, when the pitching plan unraveled so badly that Rodolfo Durn had to take the mound again, made the front offices choices look even clearer. Rather than pushing chips in for a splashy upgrade, the safer path may be to protect the future, listen on movable pieces, and see whether short-term veterans or names like Jake Cronenworth and Gavin Sheets create any real market before July turns into a deadline test the Padres cant afford to lose. [Read more 🡒]
Luis Campusano May Be Forcing A Padres Catching Decision
Luis Campusanos first rehab game back gave the Padres exactly the kind of reminder they had been missing. The backup catcher went 2-for-2 with a home run, two RBIs and a walk, a strong showing for a player who had already given San Diego real offensive value before getting hurt earlier this season.
Now the question is less about whether Campusano can help and more about when the Padres decide to act on it. The catching mix has not been settled, and with the lineup still looking for more punch, his return adds another layer to a decision the club already had to make. [Read more 🡒]