Padres backed into a corner where their best trade piece might be a blue-chip prospect

This past season, the San Diego Padres traded away a ton of prospect capital. Like, a shocking amount. Not only did their top guy in Leo De Vries get dealt, but so did their No. 3, 4, 6, and 7 ranked prospects. This isn't the first time that the Padres have given away practically the entire farm, and it may come back to bite them next time they want to make a trade.

Unfortunately, Padres GM A.J. Preller might be backed into a corner if he wants to receive a star-level MLB player. His reputation is predominantly highlighted by giving away San Diego's best prospects, which now lays the foundation that other teams will only be interested in a trade with the Padres if top prospect Ethan Salas is involved in the package.

Ethan Salas will be part of every single trade talk the Padres make going forward

Whether Preller likes it or not, Salas' name will be brought to the table each time a trade is discussed. The 19-year-old is San Diego's No. 1 prospect, and the 77th overall across Minor League Baseball. His future is bright, so teams interested in a trade will cross their fingers that Preller has one more top prospect dump left in him. Who could blame them?

The MLB Winter Meetings are fast approaching, with it taking place in Orlando from December 7-11 this year. The Padres are going to try and trade for, or sign, bigger-named players to patch up losing Dylan Cease, Robert Suarez, and probably Michael King. Making a trade is one route they will have to go, and it will most likely come down to whether or not they want to give up Salas.

History says he will be dealt, so why wouldn't other clubs have their go at it? Salas isn't the only solid prospect the Padres have, but he is going to be the main point of discussion as long as he remains a prospect. This is the world that Preller created. Get comfortable.