Padres News: Insider Says it Would Be ‘Organizational Malpractice’ if Friars Don’t Consider Selling

The Friars face a big decision ahead of the trade deadline.

The San Diego Padres have two elements that are more than at odds with each other.

They have one of the most star-laden rosters in the game, with Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts in their lineup. And that doesn't include their pitching staff, which boasts a great duo in the rotation and one of the best closers in the sport.

They also -- barring the most dramatic of turnarounds -- are out of things as far as the playoffs are concerned. They're eight games back in the wild card race and ten and a half out in the NL West as of Tuesday afternoon.

That leads to one big decision, one that's been looming over the franchise since their tailspin began and they saw an opportunity at a playoff run slip further and further out of their grasp: Do the Padres sell ahead of the August 1 trade deadline, or stay put and try to turn a complete 180?

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal had a strong opinion about that, calling it "organizational malpractice" if San Diego doesn't think about saying goodbye to some of their stars.

"The Padres, considering where they stand, would be engaging in organizational malpractice if they failed to entertain a selloff. And unlike the Mets, whose potential free agents, with the exception of closer David Robertson, are unlikely to yield a significant return, the Padres could dominate a seller’s market.

"Left-hander Blake Snell would be one of the top starting pitchers available. Lefty Josh Hader would be the top closer. And if the Padres were willing to move left fielder Juan Soto, who is under club control only through 2024, they would boast the top hitter on the market, too."

Selling is definitely an intriguing option, as San Diego could get an incredible haul if they were willing to part with even some of their stars.

And given how far back they are, a turnaround for the ages doesn't look possible. And because it's a one shot opportunity to maximize the potential returns, I think the Padres have to do it.

General manager AJ Preller remained optimistic, but also left the door open for a potential fire sale, and I think he ultimately will and should go that route.

It's the nuclear option, one that nobody imagined that the Padres would ever have to ponder when this season began.

But things change. Mentalities shift. And for San Diego, I think it's time they try to get what they can out of what's been a lost season, even though that will be through phone calls at the deadline instead of on-field success.