The San Diego Padres find themselves at a pivotal moment as the Major League Baseball trade deadline approaches. With the clock ticking down to the 3 p.m. PT deadline on Tuesday, the team is closely monitoring the situation surrounding their pitching staff. A key event is set for midday, when pitcher Joe Musgrove is scheduled to throw two innings in a simulated game against minor-league hitters in Peoria, Arizona. This outing marks Musgrove’s first game-like action in two months, and its outcome could significantly influence the Padres’ trade strategy.
As the Padres await Musgrove’s performance, they could either secure a much-needed starting pitcher or continue to search for one in a competitive market. Recent trends indicate that teams are willing to pay a premium for quality arms, as evidenced by the Houston Astros’ hefty acquisition of Yusei Kikuchi just days prior. The Padres are acutely aware of the stakes involved, recalling the 2021 trade deadline when general manager A.J. Preller opted not to add a starting pitcher due to high prices. This decision was followed by a critical injury to Chris Paddack, which ultimately contributed to the team’s collapse down the stretch.
The anticipation surrounding Musgrove’s rehab assignment is palpable. Should he perform well, there is a possibility he could return from the injured list before mid-August, effectively acting as a significant post-deadline acquisition. However, the Padres remain cautious, given Musgrove’s history of injuries, making it difficult to rely on his immediate effectiveness upon return.
In light of these uncertainties, the Padres have been proactive in their pursuit of pitching help. On the eve of the trade deadline, Preller traded away one of the team’s top pitching prospects, Dylan Lesko, along with two other players, to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for setup man Jason Adam. This move has left the Padres with a reduced pool of talent to leverage in further trades, all while needing to adhere to the luxury tax threshold.
Recent discussions have indicated that the Padres are exploring options to enhance both their starting rotation and bullpen. League sources have revealed that the team has shown interest in Miami Marlins pitchers Anthony Bender and Huascar Brazoban, both of whom could provide valuable depth to the bullpen. Each of these right-handers boasts multiple years of team control, making them attractive options for the Padres, although acquiring them would not come at a low cost.
As the trade deadline looms, the Padres must weigh their options carefully. The market for starting pitching appears steep, which may compel the team to allocate more resources toward bolstering their relief corps instead. In the latter stages of the season, a strong bullpen can be crucial, potentially allowing the team to implement bullpen games when necessary, rather than relying on less experienced pitchers like Adam Mazur or Jhony Brito.
The situation remains fluid, and the Padres are poised to make strategic moves that could shape the outcome of their season. With the trade deadline fast approaching and Musgrove’s health hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on San Diego as they navigate this critical juncture in their quest for postseason success.
