Padres fans can thank AJ Preller again for avoiding injury-laden outfielder

Remember when the San Diego Padres were desperate to add an outfielder? Rumors were flying, and at one point, the Friars checked in on White Sox slugger Luis Robert Jr. But who could have blamed them? Robert Jr. is an elite runner and can be a very good fielder when he gives his best effort.

San Diego wound up not landing the 28-year-old outfielder because Chicago wanted way too much in return for him. While some Padres fans were initially excited about them missing out because he was struggling at the plate, some still wondered whether the team squashed the opportunity to add a potential All-Star who just needed a change of scenery.

Well, it's officially now safe to say that Padres President of Baseball Operations AJ Preller did the right thing by passing on Robert Jr. The White Sox placed the outfielder on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday, all while San Diego's newest outfield additions have been thriving.

Padres thankfully avoided trading for White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr.

Let's take a moment to think about how many new players on the Padres are doing well. Ramon Laureano and Ryan O'Hearn have each seen time in the outfield, and both have delivered in clutch moments. Freddy Fermin has been well-above average at catcher, and Mason Miller has racked up five holds and a save alongside 16.2 K/9.

Preller's newest add-ons have yet to derail the team's postseason push. Having added Robert Jr., who very well could have struggled in San Diego, would have definitely pushed the club in the wrong direction with this hamstring injury. The Friars are already dealing with Jackson Merrill being hurt, and the last thing they needed was to have two starting outfielders on the shelf with one month left of the regular season.

Hats off to AJ Preller for dodging disaster. We can definitely give him credit there.