Apr 27, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) reacts after hitting a fly ball during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
San Diego, California – Despite battling injuries and a recent four-game losing streak, the San Diego Padres remain one of the National League’s top teams—and they may soon be even stronger. With an elite pitching staff keeping opponents’ runs to a minimum, San Diego’s front office is reportedly preparing to address the other side of the equation: the lineup.
President of baseball operations A.J. Preller, known for his aggressive trade strategies, could once again be active this summer if the Padres remain in playoff position. Preller has a reputation for making bold moves, including high-profile acquisitions like Juan Soto and, more recently, pitchers Dylan Cease and Michael King. If the Padres are still in the mix by July, the front office is expected to target position-player reinforcements to strengthen a roster stretched thin by injuries.
Dennis Lin of The Athletic noted that Preller is not one to wait for the trade deadline if an opportunity arises. “If San Diego is still in decent shape in the standings come July, look for president of baseball operations A.J. Preller to aggressively pursue upgrades of the team’s position-player depth,” Lin reported. “Of course, with Preller, you can never rule out a trade before July.”
That depth has been tested early. The Padres have stayed competitive despite a series of injuries to key players. Jackson Merrill and Jake Cronenworth have missed extended time, and Luis Arraez—the team’s newest contact-hitting star—suffered a scary incident last Sunday in Houston. Fortunately, the team expects Arraez to return soon, as he is currently only dealing with headaches.
In the meantime, fringe players like Connor Joe, Tirso Ornelas, and Mason McCoy have been thrust into expanded roles. While their efforts have kept the team afloat, the offense has struggled to produce consistently, placing immense pressure on stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado.
Tatis has delivered an MVP-caliber performance, and Machado is beginning to find his form. With Arraez and veteran ace Yu Darvish both trending toward returns—Darvish could debut next month—the Padres appear to be on the verge of rounding into a complete contender. Still, Preller’s willingness to upgrade the bottom of the order could be a difference-maker in sustaining a postseason push.
Manager Mike Shildt isn’t panicking after the recent skid, telling reporters that “the sky is not falling.” Given how well the Padres have played through adversity, there’s plenty of reason to believe they can reach another gear—especially if Preller works his usual midseason magic.
