San Diego Padres rumors: Reunion with a current New York Met this summer?

In their search for potential trade deadline upgrades this summer, the San Diego Padres could turn to one of their playoff opponents from lasts season: the New York Mets.

The player in question? None other than former Padres outfielder Tommy Pham, who stands as an intriguing trade chip should the Mets decide to pull the trigger.

San Diego Padres rumors: A reunion with Tommy Pham could be on the table this summer

Pham, 35, spent two seasons in San Diego (2020 and 2021), and was no better than an average contributor during his time in a Padres uniform. But 2023 has been kind to the veteran outfielder, who currently sports a .347 OBP and an .823 OPS (127 OPS+) on the season.

That kind of output could make him an appealing trade target for the Friars, who are desperately seeking another outfielder/designated hitter type after parting ways with Nelson Cruz. San Diego similarly has not received much production from an underwhelming group of DH types including Rougned Odor, Brandon Dixon and Matt Carpenter.

One aspect of Pham's game in particular that would benefit the Padres is his ability to crush left-handed pitching. On the season, Pham owns an .889 OPS against southpaws, which would make him an asset against tough NL West lefties like Julio Urias and Clayton Kershaw. But Pham, a right-handed batter, has also more than held his own against same-side pitchers, with a respectable .779 OPS against righties in 2023.

As a rental, Pham wouldn't cost the Padres much in prospect capital to acquire, making him a cheap and attainable summer upgrade option. However, if San Diego is looking to make more of a splash...

San Diego Padres rumors: Cody Bellinger also named as a potential trade fit

Padres fans will recall Bellinger from his tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the 28-year-old has revived his career in 2023 with the Chicago Cubs, with an .893 OPS (139 OPS+) and 12 home runs this season.

Bellinger's versatility stands out as well, with his ability to play first base in addition to all three outfield spots, which would make him somewhat more valuable than Pham. Like Pham, however, Bellinger would be a rental, keeping his acquisition cost down and therefore making him a better fit for a Padres organization that lacks elite prospect depth.

It's unclear if the Cubs are trending towards becoming sellers at the trade deadline, but if they do indeed sell, San Diego would be wise to place a call to Chicago regarding Bellinger's availability.