San Diego Padres rumors: 3 trade deadline deals to make, 2 to avoid

2 moves the San Diego Padres should avoid making this summer

1) Trading for Cardinals' starter Jack Flaherty

We previously suggested that St. Louis Cardinals' starter Jack Flaherty would make sense for the Padres this summer. However, he no longer appears to be a viable option.

Firstly, the 28-year-old leads all MLB starters in walks allowed in 2023, a jarring stat. His 4.64 ERA is also a little high for our liking and his absurd 1.59 WHIP wouldn't represent a meaningful upgrade to San Diego's staff.

And though Flaherty would be a rental, there could be better rentals available to the club, such as the aforementioned Michael Lorenzen, as well as Lucas Giolito of the Chicago White Sox.

2) Trading for a reliever with team control

You might want the Reds' Alexis Diaz, the Pirates' David Bednar or even the Tigers' Alex Lange after the Padres pulled off a trade for Josh Hader last summer. But even with Robert Suarez down, we're telling you to pump the breaks.

San Diego simply doesn't have the prospect capital to execute another Hader-type deal this year, nor should they. Relievers are volatile assets, and their value can fluctuate year over year. Save the limited prospect reserves for other more stable players, or go the cheaper route with rentals like the Royals' Aroldis Chapman or Joe Kelly of the Chicago White Sox, both of whom the team can always re-sign as well.

Additionally, with each of the listed players under team control for years to come, it's not even guaranteed these pitchers would even be available at the deadline.