Ranking Padres 4 most valuable assets they can sell at trade deadline

As the trade deadline looms, the San Diego Padres are firmly in the market for reinforcements. Their needs are no secret. A stabilizing presence in left field, more production behind the plate, and a reliable arm to round out the starting rotation. But how they go about filling those holes remains the biggest question.

With one of baseball’s thinnest farm systems, the Padres don’t exactly have the luxury of outbidding teams stocked with prospect capital. Still, they haven’t ruled out the idea of swinging big. Reports suggest that general manager A.J. Preller is willing to get creative — even if that means putting elite talent on the table. That includes no. 3 overall prospect Leo De Vries and prized prospect catcher Ethan Salas. But perhaps more intriguingly, San Diego could take a different route altogether by flipping some of their own big-league pieces. Particularly those on expiring contracts to rebalance the roster on the fly.

If Preller does decide to sell any of these assets to fill pressing needs, here are four of the most valuable assets the Padres could use as trade chips at this year’s deadline.

Ranking Padres 4 most valuable assets they can sell at trade deadline

1. SS Leo De Vries

If the Padres are serious about making a blockbuster deal at the deadline, Leo De Vries is the piece that could break open just about any door. Ranked as the No. 3 overall prospect in baseball and the clear-cut top talent in San Diego’s farm system, De Vries would instantly become the centerpiece of virtually any trade package. And deservingly so.

The 18-year-old shortstop is showing the kind of steady development that backs up his sky-high ceiling. Long considered a potential 30/30 threat thanks to his rare combination of raw power and plus speed, De Vries is now starting to bridge the gap between projection and production. His recent performance suggests that the tools evaluators rave about are beginning to show up consistently in game action.

De Vries earned a Spring Training invite with the big league club earlier this year, followed by a nod to the prestigious MLB All-Star Futures Game. In his first full professional season in 2024, he posted a .237/.361/.441 slash line at Single-A. A modest batting average, yes, but paired with a sharp eye at the plate and developing slugging profile that hints at what’s to come.

Moving De Vries would single-handedly gut what remains of their farm. A decision the Padres would only make if the return would give them the best chance at a World Series. But if San Diego opts to go all-in, he’s the kind of headliner that brings elite, big-league-ready talent back in return.

2. 1B Luis Arraez

Luis Arraez has been a key part of the Padres’ offensive identity this season, offering elite bat-to-ball skills and his ability to avoid strikeouts. But with no extension talks in sight and free agency looming, it might be time for San Diego to seriously consider flipping him at the deadline.

Arraez is having what qualifies as a down year by his standards — slashing .283/.330/.372, the lowest batting average of his career. And yet, that line still outperforms much of the league. A career .318 hitter, Arraez’s value remains high thanks to his reputation, versatility, and contact-first approach in an era increasingly driven by swing-and-miss.

Financially, it makes even more sense. The Padres ducked under the luxury tax in 2024, resetting the penalty clock. But with FanGraphs projecting their 2025 CBT payroll to land around $263 million, they’re already into the second tier of the tax and facing a 12% surcharge. Trading Arraez, even as a rental, could help balance the books and address more pressing needs.

San Diego could dangle Arraez in a larger package to land a long-term answer in left field, then slide Gavin Sheets over to first base down the stretch if needed. It’s a bold move, but a calculated one. For a team trying to retool on the fly while staying competitive, selling high on Arraez might be the most strategic play they can make.

3. RHP Dylan Cease

This isn’t an ideal scenario for San Diego either. Parting ways with Dylan Cease down the stretch would sting. But given the Padres’ financial reality and roster needs, it’s an option they can’t ignore. Cease would be one of the more valuable arms on the market if made available, and the return could be significant.

The 29-year-old righty has had an up-and-down season, opening the year with some inconsistency before settling in over the last several outings. He’s currently carrying a 4.64 ERA with a 3-9 record, but the underlying metrics suggest there’s still plenty to like. His 30.0 percent strikeout rate ranks among the league’s best, and his stuff remains electric.

San Diego wouldn’t move him lightly. But if a team comes calling with a blockbuster offer that helps fill needs in the outfield or catcher spot, or even replenishes the thin farm system, Cease might just be the kind of painful but necessary sacrifice this roster demands.

4. RHP Robert Suarez

Robert Suarez has found himself at the center of trade speculation all season — and for good reason. The Padres’ closer is in the midst of a strong year, racking up 29 saves with a 3.46 ERA. While he might not fit the mold of a lights-out, strikeout-heavy closer, Suarez has consistently gotten the job done. His contract also adds intrigue. A five-year, $46 million deal that includes a player opt-out after the 2025 season.

That opt-out could push the Padres to consider selling high, especially if they think Suarez could walk early. But doing so would come with major consequences. Trading Suarez would leave a hole in the back end of the bullpen — one that could derail the Padres’ ability to close out tight games, even if they upgrade elsewhere.

For a front office trying to thread the needle between buying and selling, dealing Suarez feels like a gamble too big to make unless the return is overwhelming. He’s not just a trade chip, he’s part of what’s keeping this team afloat in close contests.

As for Michael King, he deserves a quick mention here as well. While he could be an interesting trade candidate on paper, lingering health concerns make it unlikely the Padres move him by the deadline. Until there’s more clarity, King feels like a name that stays put.

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