In a perfect world, the San Diego Padres, who are 29-20 this season, would probably become buyers at the trade deadline. However, it makes sense for supporters to be concerned about the team’s performance at the deadline given the new ownership group.
On the other hand, Padres supporters may receive some positive news at the trade deadline from the new ownership group headed by Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Padres owners may approve a deadline for A.J. Preller to “aggressively add” talent to the team, similar to the new ownership group of the Tampa Bay Rays.
Padres ownership might give green light to A.J. Preller for aggressive trade deadline
“Well, the Rays’ ownership group is new and attempting to sway voters in Hillsborough County to support an initiative for an ew ballpark — and it’ll be in a position to greenlight Neander to aggressively add before the deadline,” Olney writes. “Same with the incoming owners in San Diego (and we know that Preller doesn’t need a big push to make moves at the deadline).”
Both teams with new ownership groups may be in for a fun deadline, serving as buyers, if the Padres take a similar route as the Rays.
Last year, Mason Miller, Ryan O’Hearn, Ramon Laureano, and Freddy Fermin were acquired by the Padres at the deadline.
Despite Miller’s dominance this season, San Diego is probably going to look for assistance for their infield, outfield, starting lineup, and even bullpen.
Preller may be able to add some really amazing talent if ownership, as Olney suggests, is prepared to commit to spending at the deadline.
Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers is one guy who should be closely watched. Preller may be one of the few executives to even contemplate the enormous package for Skubal, and he may be available for trade.
Even though Olney’s rumor isn’t specific, it’s nonetheless exciting. It’s possible that the new owners approve Preller’s large expenditure at this year’s deadline, which might include some extremely intriguing trade possibilities.
