Even after Miller blockbuster, Padres’ biggest need still glaring as clock ticks
Jul 26, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) celebrates while running the bases after hitting a two run home run against the Kansas City Royals in the fourth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The trade for Mason Miller on Thursday morning jolted Padres fans awake. But A.J. Preller still has plenty of work to do.
Padres’ president of baseball operations A.J. Preller is simply one of a kind in the baseball industry. He did the unthinkable on Thursday morning, shipping off his top overall prospect Leodalis De Vries and top pitching prospect Braden Nett, among others, to the Athletics for fire-breathing closer Mason Miller and lefty starter JP Sears.
The fanbase is indeed torn about the cost to acquire an elite bullpen arm when the Padres already have an elite bullpen.
Trying to keep track of all the rumors and possibilities will make your head spin.
The trade deadline ends at 3 pm PT. There are still several hours between now and when the kitchen closes. Preller still has some cooking to do.
Despite the exciting, polarizing trade for Miller and Sears, the Padres still have not addressed their biggest need- offensive upgrades, especially in the outfield.
The San Diego Padres are still on the prowl for an outfielder, and are confident they'll land one before the 6 p.m. ET trade deadline.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 31, 2025
There are plenty of options out there. However, that pool is beginning to shrink.
The Phillies just traded for centerfielder Harrison Bader. There are reports saying Luis Robert Jr. is likely to stay in Chicago.
Feinsand: Luis Robert Jr. unlikely to be traded.
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) July 31, 2025
Phillies reportedly acquire OF Harrison Bader from the Twins, per multiple reports including MLB's @Feinsand. pic.twitter.com/qH9sckY0f8
— MLB (@MLB) July 31, 2025
That’s two impact outfielders that don’t appear to be options for Preller and the Padres anymore.
Still, one of the bats that makes the most sense is available. We discussed a Ramon Laureano trade a while back, and that deal makes even more sense now. The Orioles’ outfielder is having a breakout season at age 31. His 15 homers is already the second-most of his career, and his .884 OPS would blow his previous career high out of the water. Plus, he is a savvy defender in the outfield. His arm strength is rated in the 97th percentile. Baserunners would have nightmares trying to take bases against him and Fernando Tatis Jr.
While technically, Laureano could be a rental; there is a club option for him to return in 2026. The Padres could solve their issue in left field for this season and next by doing a deal with the Orioles.
Phillies, in addition to Padres, Reds and others, are a potential fit for Ramon Laureano, who’s having a big year (.884 OPS). O’s could also hold as they have an option for 2026.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 31, 2025
Laureano isn’t the only option either.
There are reports the Padres are trying to acquire All-Star outfielder Steven Kwan from Cleveland. However, the Padres used their best bullet in Leodalis De Vries to acquire Miller. They may not have the firepower anymore to get Kwan, who would solidify the Padres’ outfield as perhaps the best in baseball.
Even with the Red Sox surging, it doesn’t appear that Preller is leaving the Boston Red Sox alone regarding All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran.
The Padres have had extensive talks with the Red Sox about Jarren Duran — the Red Sox keep saying no — and with the Guardians about Steven Kwan. Some rival execs fully expect the Padres to land one of these two by day's end.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 31, 2025
Acquiring either of those All-Star outfielders would be costly, and now without De Vries, it’s understandable to wonder if the Padres can get it done.
If the Padres are looking for a bat that isn’t a costly All-Star but still an upgrade, those can be had as well. Jesus Sanchez of the Marlins would be an instant upgrade.
There was also noise about the Padres possibly acquiring Braves DH Marcell Ozuna. That seemed to fizzle out, but he still remains available.
Given the nature of Preller and his “mad scientist” vibes, it would not be shocking to see the Padres end up with one of Duran, Kwan, or Laureano.
However, it happens, the Padres desperately need an upgrade in the lineup.
Native of Escondido, CA. Lived in San Diego area for 20 years. Padres fan since childhood (mid-90s). I have been writing since 2014. I currently live near Seattle, WA and am married to a Seattle sports girl. I wore #19 on my high school baseball team for Tony Gwynn. I am a stats and sports history nerd. I attended BYU on the Idaho campus. I also love Star Wars.