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.

August 6, 1998: Toronto Blue Jays send Randy Myers to the Padres for Brian Loyd

If you are wondering why the first-place Friars would put a waiver claim for a reliever (Randy Myers) with a 4.46 ERA. Well, it was to keep him away from the National League East-leading Atlanta Braves.

It was a move that no one thought was controversial. Myers was not exactly a high-profile addition that caused contending teams vying for his services in August. But the Padres could not take a chance and let him regain his command in a Braves uniform.

They had one of the best pitching coaches in Leo Mazzone. The Friars were not going to pass on Myers and let Mazzone refine his pitching mechanics. Suddenly, Myers becomes a postseason force against the Friars in a possible National League Championship Series matchup.

Often, a high ERA obscures how a pitcher of Myers ability can excel in certain late-inning situations. Upon arrival, the former Nasty Boy was ineffective (1-3 with a 6.28 ERA) in a Padres uniform. Opposing teams were batting .267 against Myers as his strikeout rate dipped under 15% with no evidence of fastball velocity.

August 31, 2020: Seattle Mariners sent Austin Nola, Austin Adams and Dan Altavilla to the Padres for Ty France, Andres Munoz, Luis Torrens and Taylor Trammell

The pandemic-shortened 2020 season empowered Padres president of baseball operation A.J. Preller to win the trade deadline with a complete makeover of the team’s roster. The first trade acquired a top-flight starting pitcher, but the second trade with the Seattle Mariners brought instant recognition that the Friars were chasing a postseason berth.

Catching is the most physically demanding position on the field. Thus, it is risky to trade for a veteran catcher. The unknown factor is pinpointing an end date to when their skills will decline. But, Preller took a gamble on Austin Nola as the Padres were desperate for an upgrade behind the dish. Unfortunately, the trade results have not been favorable for the Friars.

Preller was in a “win-now” mode to gain a postseason berth. But if you are looking for an “under the radar” player given away by the Padres in the trade, it is Andres Munoz. He has proven to be a valuable setup reliever in the Seattle Mariners bullpen. The analytic numbers do not lie. Opposing teams are hitting .189 with a 35.6% this season. Currently, Munoz is 2-4 with a 2.96 ERA in 25 appearances. His velocity is outstanding, as he has struck out 96 batters in 69 IP. All of the stats are well above the major league average for relievers. Munoz could have been a valuable piece to the Friars pen this season.

August 2, 2022: Padres sent C.J. Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, Luke Voit, Robert Hassell, James Wood and Jarlin Susano to the Washington Nationals for Juan Soto and Josh Bell

Juan Soto is one of the bright young stars in baseball today. He turned down a long-term extension with the Washington Nationals and immediately went on the trade block. The Padres acquired him for the organization’s top minor league prospects at the trade deadline last summer. The move helped the Friars seal their second postseason appearance in three seasons.

Determining who won this trade can not be made until after the 2024 season. At that time, Soto will be eligible to leave San Diego as a free agent. But if the Padres do not contend for a World Series, this trade would be considered a disaster for the franchise. The true greatness of Soto is his understanding of the strike zone. He rarely swings at pitches off the plate. As for his defense, Soto can look lost on tracking balls to the warning track. But at 24 years old, there is time for him to become an elite defender.

The Nats gained a starting pitcher (MacKenzie Gore) and an everyday shortstop (CJ Abrams) from their return. They expect more to come from this package in the coming seasons.