San Diego Padres history: 5 notable trades from the month of August

The Major League Baseball trade deadline is here, and you here plenty of names being discussed in potential deals today. Some of speculation will focus on the San Diego Padres and who could be on the move.

But before looking ahead, lets not forget the players acquired by the Friars in past August trades. All have made an impact on the chase for a postseason berth.

Here are five notable trades made by the San Diego Padres in August

August 13, 1997: Padres send Rickey Henderson to the Los Angeles Angels for George Arias, Stevenson Agosto and Ryan Hancock

Before the 2019 season, teams could trade players following the deadline. But before the move is official, the player must clear revocable waivers under the old rules. The player’s original team had three options: work out a trade (48 hours to agree on a deal) with the club that claimed the player, allow the player to leave without seeking compensation or pull the player back from the waiver wire.

The 1997 season forced the Padres to take a look at their roster. They were stumbling their way to a disappointing 76-86 record that earned them a fourth-place finish in the standings. But before the season ended, the front office began moving players off the roster to open space for offseason additions.

The Padres sent Rickey Henderson to his next stop in his Hall-of-Fame career. The Angels were looking for another proven stick for a potential stretch run in the playoff chase. However, Henderson failed to contribute as he batted .183 in 144 plate appearances with the Halos.

At one time, George Arias was a highly-regarded Angels prospect, but his time with the Padres was disappointing. They acquired him as the heir apparent to Ken Caminiti at third base. However, Arias’ bat never translated well in the majors. He could not make consistent contact (31.8% strikeout rate) to remain in the lineup. The organization opted not to renew his contract following the 1999 season.