Padres-Marlins trade rumors beginning to swirl after Miami's horrible 2024 start

The San Diego Padres returned to the win column on Wednesday after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals in a tight 3-2 game. They avoided the sweep and will now travel to San Francisco for another matchup with the Giants.

What was the biggest story of the afternoon? Was it Joe Musgrove's bounce back? The bullpen holding strong? History from catcher Kyle Higashioka? The fact they pulled off the win despite going 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position?

Not quite! Right after the game, The Athletic published an article (subscription required) weighing in on the Miami Marlins' potential status as sellers at the trade deadline. Yes, not even a week into the season because ... the Marlins are 0-7.

AJ Preller wouldn't have it any other way. Why was the article notable? Because well-known Padres insider Dennis Lin drew the parallel to the Padres' recent interest in Marlins assets Jesus Luzardo and Luis Arraez.

Per reports, the Pads tried to acquire Luzardo before their trade for Dylan Cease. They were also looking to get Arraez in their infield picture, which would've further helped the team's versatility as well as their left-handed-ness.

Padres, AJ Preller already trying to take advantage of Marlins' future fire sale?

Preller already made a trade five days into the season, re-acquiring a pitcher he sent away last year. If any other attainable, big-name assets become available, you bet he'll be involved.

Don't forget, the Marlins overhauled their front office this offseason. They imported a Rays executive to likely strip everything down to the studs, which explains their lack of offseason movement, their trade of valuable utility infielder Jon Berti to the New York Yankees right before Opening Day, and their unsurprisingly terrible start.

Anybody with name recognition and a price tag will more than likely be available as the Marlins continue to fall out of contention, and Lin speculating the Padres could be at the front of the line when that moment arrives has fans salivating at the possibilities.

The Padres might've technically gotten worse this offseason with the departures of Juan Soto, Blake Snell and Josh Hader (among others), but they're still a talented team in need of a few more pieces to inspire a Wild Card run.

Preller was already ahead of the curve, getting in the Marlins' ear before their MLB-worst start. Perhaps that gives him and the Padres an edge when Miami is ready to further endure a roster makeover.

Jazz Chisholm Jr., perhaps, who had an offseason arbitration battle with the club? Don't rule anything out, especially if Preller's involved.