4 trade targets the Padres should consider pursuing this summer

3. Center Fielder: Lane Thomas

Another outfielder from the Nationals? The Padres weren't afraid to pull the trigger last summer on Juan Soto, so they shouldn't be this summer either when it comes to acquiring Lane Thomas.

Thomas, 28 in August, is having a strong season thus far, with a .769 OPS and a 117 OPS+. Those numbers would definitely top the production San Diego is currently getting from incumbent center fielder Trent Grisham.

Unlike Yasmani Grandal or Aroldis Chapman, however, Lane Thomas would be a controllable asset for the Padres should they swing a deal with Washington for him. That would likely mean a steeper cost, but A.J. Preller has demonstrated he's willing to go all-in when necessary.

Thomas has played all of his games so far this season in right field, but has seen significant action in center field over the course of his career.