Expert Predicts Supernova Trade Between Padres and NL Rival

Time for the Padres to go shopping?

It's safe to say that nobody really expected the San Diego Padres to be heavy buyers once again this season in the trade market. 2022 was much different as Manny Machado clearly needed some offensive help and the front office went all-in when Juan Soto became available.

However, the Friars have had all of the superstars they've needed this season to succeed and have yet to find any form of consistency. GM A.J. Preller has been honest about what he doesn't like from the clubhouse thus far into the year and even though he wants to utilize prospects first, he also is not opposed to some trades.

San Diego did not break the bank on their current roster just to use this season as one to grow comfortable with one another. They definitely want to contend for championships every year for the next decade and if a trade is what they need, Preller and company will get it done.

And it looks like they may dial the Washington Nationals' phone number for the second straight year.

DET @ WSH
May 19, 2023

Lane Thomas (6) 2-Run Home Run
Distance: 415 Feet
EV: 102.8 Mph

Pitcher: Matthew Boyd, 79.6 Mph Slider
6th Inning pic.twitter.com/q8GgyHTIP5

— Nationals Fan (@Nats_HRs) May 20, 2023

Offense Is Still The Priority 

The Padres are coming off of another disappointing loss in May and this time it was against a Boston Red Sox squad that almost shut them out. If San Diego does seriously enter trade talks, they'll be doing so for guys that can get on base consistently.

So yes, a lot of signs are pointing towards another outfielder from the Washington Nationals and it's mainly due to his efficiency at the plate this year. Lane Thomas, 27-years-old, is slashing .281/.339/.437 and has an OPS of .776.

Lane Thomas makes it 10-1 Nationals 😳 pic.twitter.com/C165Q3SQLr

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 10, 2023

Seth Carlson argued exactly why he may be a much better target than other names that have been mentioned.

"Unlike Yasmani Grandal or Aroldis Chapman, however, Lane Thomas would be a controllable asset for the Padres should they swing a deal with Washington for him. That would likely mean a steeper cost, but A.J. Preller has demonstrated he's willing to go all-in when necessary.  Thomas has played all of his games so far this season in right field, but has seen significant action in center field over the course of his career."

(Via Friars On Base)

This next stretch of games will be ultra-important for us to see if a trade could actually go down!