4 players who could be on the trade block if Padres are sellers at the deadline

We have hit a significant checkpoint in the 2025 regular season. Now that the schedule has gotten through Memorial Day Weekend, it's time for the Padres to really take a step back and reflect on where they stand compared to other teams who are contending for the playoffs.

Following a 14-3 start to the season, it felt like the Friars were the best team in baseball. Since then, however, they are 16-19, falling down to third place in the NL West standings at one point. They enter May 27 tied for second in the division with the San Francisco Giants, so yes, the sky is not falling down on the Padres' season. But, if they were to continue play sub-.500 baseball, is it possible that the Padres could become sellers at the trade deadline?

If they were to fall into that disappointing position, Luis Arraez, Dylan Cease, Michael King, and Gavin Sheets would be likely trade candidates.

Luis Arraez

The three-time batting champion is a perfect addition to a postseason team that needs a contact hitter to complement a power-hitting club. His below-average defense gets overlooked thanks to his ability to hit well over .300, and that value will be at its peak when other organizations come calling for a reliable bat.

Dylan Cease

Cease cannot avoid his name being linked to the trade block. His status as an ace has made other teams salivating at the opportunity to add him to the roster, and maybe those rumors actually become true by the time the trade deadline approaches.

Michael King

Since becoming a full-time starting pitcher in 2024, Michael King has been one of the best arms in all of baseball. He works deep into the game, and competes with a calm that playoff teams would love to see from a pitcher in a high-pressure postseason contest. He is currently on the injured list, but should not be out for long. Just like Cease, King has been connected to trade rumors for about six months now.

Gavin Sheets

Gavin Sheets has been a blessing to the Padres this season. Signed to a minor league deal this past winter, Sheets is on a crusade to shatter all of his career-best numbers on offense. This makes him a desirable trade candidate. He's good. He's cheap. But also, the Padres could potentially leverage him to a contending team with an excellent haul in return.