San Diego Padres Trade Deadline: Sellers and Buyers?

With a week left before the deadline, the San Diego Padres can go one of two ways, or both.

‘Tis the season San Diego Padres fans. Yes, it’s that time of year again, the time to shape the franchise not only for the rest of this year but for years to come, as well. This trade deadline season is different than years past. For the San Diego Padres, it could be one of the most important in regards to shaping its future.

With the mid-season garage sales open for business, this article will take a look at two different directions the Friars can take. Will they be sellers and buyers? Thursday’s trade for Francisco Mejia demonstrates the first direction most felt the team would go, which is to trade veterans for prospects. Or in other words, be sellers.

Definitely didn’t see that trade coming. I’m guessing a lot of people didn’t though. Question is. Who could be next? If the organization has plans to compete starting as early as next year but definitely by 2020, they are officially on the clock for some roster configuration.

Kirby Yates and Craig Stammen are still two names being floated around as players who could be dealt. With Darren Balsley at the helm, selling relievers high and bringing up younger guys to mold into the new dominant bullpen is a realistic plan. There also remains outfielders such as Hunter Renfroe who many have figured could be a trade piece, at some point. Many fans have even been calling for the trade of Wil Myers. There are a lot of pieces and you have to assume, no is untouchable, except for maybe Eric Hosmer.

Which brings us to the second part of this deadline season. Could we see the team finally start to trade prospects and accumulate some major league talent?

With current 25-man and 40-man rosters as constructed and the talent throughout the farm system, that could be a yes. Everyone knows that by the time the Rule-5 draft comes along, the Padres will have numerous prospects on the top-30 list that they must decide to keep or leave exposed for another organization to purge.

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My reasoning for them being buyers and sellers is simple. They have the farm system to buy, and they possess major league talent that must go to protect as many of the prospects that deserve a spot on those lists too.

Can’t keep them all.

Not all of their prospects will see the big leagues someday, why not trade some of them for proven major leaguers now? Especially with the intention or expectation of competing for a post-season spot in the next year or two.

Recent rumors have the Padres as a player for Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Chris Archer, for example. Previous rumors had the team connected to Philadelphia third baseman Maikel Franco and recent reports indicated that they wanted Miguel Andujar from the Yankees in exchange for Brad Hand. As evidenced by the Hand deal, expect the unexpected when it comes to A.J. Preller making a noteworthy deal.

Next: Injuries Pile Up For Padres

Either way Friar Faithful. It’s gonna be a fun ride. Especially after the trade Thursday for Mejia. Just can’t wait to see what’s next.