The San Diego Padres will make a move in the next 24 hours. But what kind of splash will they make this trade season? 

The MLB Trade Deadline is approaching.

A.J. Preller and the San Diego Padres have until 3 pm on Thursday, July 31, to consummate a trade.

At this point, the Padres are an enigma regarding their plans to improve the roster. There is no doubt the team needs to strengthen the bottom of the lineup as well as the bench. The Padres, like most other playoff-contending teams, are also likely looking for pitching. Anything can happen.

The problem is that the team appears to be maxed out as far as spending.

A.J. Preller and ownership are saying nothing about the financial situation, but the writing is on the wall. Instead of replacing a trio of expensive winter additions (Yuli Gurriel, Connor Joe, and Jason Heyward) that fizzled out, the team brought up minor league talent. The bench is full of questionable players. They simply refuse to spend more money this season.

There are whispers that the team is shopping Dylan Cease and Robert Suarez, and this idea seems to be solely motivated by the desire to save money. Both high-priced pitchers would give the Padres some financial flexibility to upgrade at catcher and left field. They also may be able to strengthen the bench for a playoff run.

Trading Cease and Suarez seems silly for a team with World Series aspirations. However, it comes down to what the Padres get in return. How will these men be replaced on the roster?

If they can replace Cease with a veteran arm to eat innings, then this proposed idea would not hurt as much. Michael King and Yu Darvish are returning. The Padres may be able to live without Cease. This is not an ideal situation, but something the Padres can withstand.

In replacing Suarez, the Padres certainly already have the arms in-house. Adrian Morejon, Jason Adam, and Jeremiah Estrada are a nasty trio of relievers who could step up for San Diego if Suarez is moved from the roster. The idea of moving these pitchers to save money is unorthodox, but you get a sense that it may work.

The Padres and their general manager are crafty. They think outside the box.

The following 24 hours will be crucial for the 2025 season. A move “sideways” may be the best way for the Padres to hoist their first World Series trophy.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.