Padres’ spot in latest MLB power rankings proves AJ Preller’s moves are paying off

In MLB.com's latest power rankings, the Padres climbed two spots, from No. 9 to No. 7. It might not feel like much, but with San Diego playing great baseball over the last two weeks and closing in on the Dodgers in the NL West, the latest rankings are further confirmation that AJ Preller's trade deadline moves were the right decision.

While the price to acquire Mason Miller, J.P. Sears, Ramon Laureano, Ryan O'Hearn, Freddy Fermin and Nestor Cortes was high, the Padres' recent levels of success indicate it was worth it.

Padres' quick jump in power rankings post-trade deadline alrady proves Preller right

On July 31st, the Padres were 60-49, riding a five-game winning streak. That day, they made a flurry of trades, adding two pitchers from the Athletics, two outfielders from the Orioles and a pair of role players from the Royals and Brewers.

Over their next nine from then on, the Friars went 6-3 and have closed within two games of the Dodgers entering Monday, and have moved firmly into the No. 2 Wild Card spot in the National League.

Miller, the former Athletics closer, joined an already stacked bullpen in San Diego. In his first four appearances, he holds a 4.15 ERA and has converted one save.

Fermin has been a breath of fresh air behind the plate for San Diego. In his first seven games, he's hitting .391 and slugging .435. He's driven in three runs and has already accumulated 0.4 bWAR.

Nestor Cortes and J.P. Sears have each made one start since joining the Padres rotation. Cortes tossed 4.2 innings and allowed two earned runs, while Sears allowed five runs in five innings before getting sent down to Triple-A.

Laureano has been a welcome addition to the Padres' lineup. The veteran outfielder is slashing .270/.325/.486, with a 122 OPS+ entering Monday. Since being traded to San Diego, he already has four extra-base hits, including two triples.

O'Hearn, in his first eight games, has a .686 OPS. While he has not been the 133 OPS+ hitter he was in Baltimore, he has driven in three runs and already has a home run with the Friars.

Overall, outside of Sears' poor first start, the Padres' newest additions have been contributing to the hot stretch. It's proof that AJ Preller's aggressive trade deadline strategy was a good idea. The Padres suddenly look like a dangerous team in the postseason, and credit should be given where it's due. AJ Preller's boldness at the trade deadline could be the reason why San Diego makes a deep run in 2025.