As San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller explores various ways to improve the roster before Thursday’s trade deadline, All-Star closer Robert Suarez has popped up in conversations recently.
Per Jon Heyman of the New York Post and MLB Network, the Padres have discussed Suarez in trade talks with other clubs.
Even with a three-game lead for the final playoff spot in the National League, the Padres have been shopping some key players from the MLB roster to add more cost-controlled talent that can help them both in 2025 and beyond.
Dylan Cease, who can become a free agent at the end of this season, is another player the Padres have been rumored to be shopping around.
Suarez could also be a free agent this offseason by exercising the opt-out in his contract. Michael King and Luis Arráez are the other key Padres players set to hit the market in the winter.
Given how integral all four players are to the Padres, losing them for either nothing or draft pick compensation might not be appealing to Preller. They also need to replenish a farm system that’s taken a hit over the past two years due to various trades they have made.
Shortstop Leo de Vries and catcher Ethan Salas are top 20 prospects in MLB, but they don’t have another player in MLB.com‘s top 100 list.
It’s unclear what the market for high-end relief pitching is going to be since there hasn’t been anyone at that level traded yet. Gregory Soto and Seranthony Domínguez are the only notable bullpen arms that have been moved thus far.
Suarez would potentially be the best reliever dealt if the Padres move him. The 34-year-old has a 3.50 ERA, 46 strikeouts and an MLB-high 30 saves in 46 appearances this season.
Preller is trying to walk a delicate tight rope, but credit him for at least keeping all options open to try winning now and setting the team up to be good in the future.
The Padres (59-49) lead the Cincinnati Reds by three games for the No. 3 wild card spot in the NL. They are only four games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West race with six head-to-head matchups remaining in the regular season.
