The debate for most teams every year is whether or not they should buy, sell or stand pat at the trade deadline. Teams have to evaluate what their team has, what it needs and what any potential additions or subtractions could mean for that season and future seasons. In the most recent Padres Reacts Survey, fans were asked to decide what they think the San Diego Padres should do at the deadline this season.
The team fought hard in the last two games of the ceremonial first half to get back-to-back
wins to limp into the break with a .500 record on the season at 48-48. The roster is loaded with players who are injured or under performing and that is not a combination that instills confidence in the fanbase.
The starting rotation has been decimated by injury with Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, Nick Pivetta, Randy Vasquez and Lucas Giolito all currently on the injured list and Darvish is out for the season. The bullpen had remained relatively healthy throughout the year, but is now without Jeremiah Estrada, Jason Adam and David Morgan. The lineup has also been beat up in the first half of the season with Ramon Laureano out for the year, Freddy Fermin and Samad Taylor currently on the IL and Luis Campusano recently returning from an IL stint.
The players that have been healthy in the rotation and lineup in the first half have underwhelmed. Most fans wonder how the Padres have even played well enough to reach .500 at the break considering all the above-mentioned factors, which is why they are prepared for San Diego to sell at the deadline. There is not much confidence in the way the Padres have played, and the number of needs is too great to think the 2026 team is worth investing in. San Diego general manager and president of baseball operations A.J. Preller may see it another way, but the Friar Faithful are looking toward future seasons rather than a postseason run this season.
Padres News:
- Bradgley Rodriguez has been impressive throughout the 2026 season. At one point this season he was getting so much work that he was sent to the minors for some rest and time off. Thomas Conroy of Gaslamp Ball says the increased usage for Rodriguez is a result of the trust he has earned from manager Craig Stammen.
- The Padres added to their minor league depth with several picks on Day 2 of the MLB Draft. Most of the selections were college players who were further along in their development, which Cheri Bell of Gaslamp Ball says is a change from the usual approach San Diego has in the draft.
- Mason Miller, the lone Padres All-Star, was forced to field questions about a potential trade during media sessions at All-Star festivities on Monday.
- San Diego reportedly signed outfielder Dustin Harris to a minor league deal on Monday.
Baseball News:
- Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals spoiled the home run derby for the hometown slugger Kyle Schwarber. Walker beat the Philadelphia Phillies slugger to become the first Cardinals player to win the derby.
- The Chicago White Sox are moving quickly to sign the first pick in the MLB Draft Roch Cholowski and are reportedly signing the infielder to a record deal.
- Here is what you need to know about how to watch the 2026 MLB All-Star Game.
