Padres Manager Urges Team to Stay Focused as Trade Deadline Nears
With the MLB trade deadline set for Aug. 3, speculation around potential roster moves continues to grow. But San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen isn’t letting those conversations become a distraction for his clubhouse.
Stammen recently downplayed the significance of the approaching deadline, describing it as still “far away” and encouraging his players to remain focused on what they can control rather than trade rumors. While the Padres have struggled in recent weeks, he believes the team’s attention should remain on winning games instead of outside speculation.
“I don’t think they’re thinking about it yet,” Stammen said. “As it gets closer, there will obviously be reports and names connected to different teams, but 99% of what’s written isn’t true. Most of the deals that actually happen are either completely unexpected or fairly obvious. At the end of the day, we have to compete every single day, and the more focused we are on that, the better off we’ll be.”
Padres Could Be Busy Before the Deadline
San Diego is widely expected to be active ahead of the deadline, though the direction the front office takes remains uncertain.
Some around baseball believe the Padres could become sellers if their recent struggles continue, while others expect president of baseball operations A.J. Preller to once again pursue aggressive additions in an effort to keep the team in contention. Preller has built a reputation for making bold, unexpected trades.
Potential Trade Targets
The Padres have several needs, with offense topping the list after inconsistent production for much of the season. Among the players who have been mentioned as possible fits are Luis Arraez of the San Francisco Giants, Jo Adell of the Los Angeles Angels, and Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox. Adding another impact bat would address one of the club’s biggest weaknesses.
Pitching is another area that could receive attention. San Diego’s bullpen has been heavily taxed, and additional rotation depth would also be valuable. Starters linked to the Padres include Sonny Gray of the Boston Red Sox, Freddy Peralta of the New York Mets, and Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals. Veteran closer Aroldis Chapman has also surfaced as a potential bullpen target.
The Padres could also receive a boost from within after the All-Star break. Starting pitchers Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta are both expected to return from injury later this season, which could lessen the urgency for Preller to make multiple pitching additions if the organization believes they can make an immediate impact.
Regardless of which path San Diego ultimately chooses, the Padres are expected to be one of the most closely watched teams leading up to the trade deadline. While Stammen wants his players concentrating on the games in front of them, trade speculation is only likely to intensify as the deadline approaches.
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