Credit: AP Photo

The San Diego Padres could cash in big if they choose to sell at this year’s Major League Baseball Trade Deadline.

It is that time of the year in Major League Baseball.

The period of the season in which teams must choose to put all their chips in the middle or walk away from the table and cash out.

In the high-stakes poker world of MLB, these decisions often make or break a franchise’s future.

On one side, a team could sell off high-priced veterans and acquire young, cheaper talent whose value is yet to be determined. They wrestle away a diamond in the rough from another franchise. On the other side, an organization may choose to trade its prospects to upgrade the major league roster in attempt for instant success. Quite often, these upgrades mean upping the payroll for the season substantially.

The San Diego Padres are approaching this danger zone.

Currently, the team is vying for one of the final three NL Wild Card spots. But the Dodgers are on a losing streak, and that is enticing to the Padres. Should they go all in and take advantage of their division rival while they are showing weakness? The Padres’ roster presently is full of holes. There is no way the current 40-man roster would compete late in the season and into the playoffs. That is the truth.

The Padres need upgrades, but you get the sense that the team is unwilling to increase payroll. It is difficult to get too upset at ownership, as the Padres are still among the top 10 in all of baseball in terms of financial commitments. However, at the same time, the competitive window is open now. The Padres do not need stars; they need unheralded players who are productive. An increase in payroll would be necessary, but it shouldn’t be ridiculous.

On the roster right now, the Padres have two players who are pending free agents after the season and have excellent value.

Luis Arraez and Dylan Cease are household names around the league.

Neither is enjoying an excellent season, but their numbers are still productive. And they certainly have value for a team competing for a world championship.

The Padres have not explored a long-term deal with Cease as they realize they will not be able to afford his asking price. There seems to be mutual interest in Arraez returning to San Diego, but his value is difficult to determine. Arraez is a multiple batting-title winner, but some argue that hitting for average is all he does well. The Padres see the value of Arraez, but he is the type of player who needs a strong supporting cast around him to reach his pinnacle in terms of production.

Cease and Arraez are players who are likely to be dealt if the Padres choose to sell, but they also have a few more men who would be of tremendous value to playoff teams.

Robert Suarez and Jason Adam are 2025 MLB All-Stars.

Both relievers are under contract for the following season, but perhaps the Padres choose to maximize their value now. EVERY major league team needs pitching. These men would produce an enormous haul for the Padres at or near the deadline. Losing them would be difficult, but the Padres possess multiple relievers like Adrian Morejon and Jeremiah Estrada, who could step up. Theer are also arms in the minors who are ready to contribute.

A.J. Preller is one of the most creative G.M.s in the history of the game. His team thinks outside the box. They are always looking for an angle. The Padres may elect to try to trade sideways this trade season. One or more of the players mentioned above may be dealt for equally valued players, who play different needed positions, in an attempt to still compete for the 2025 season. This is not an easy thing to achieve, but Preller will leave no stone unturned.

This trade season, the Padres may have multiple teams calling them asking about the availability of several players. The next few weeks will dictate the action Preller, and the Padres take for the future. Adding multiple young players who are under contract could benefit the Padres for the rest of the decade. At the same time, nothing is guaranteed, and the Padres are competitive now. Perhaps it is time to gamble and push those chips all in.

We will see.

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.

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