Padres Rumors: 3 Biggest Needs if San Diego Chooses to Buy at Deadline

The deadline will be here before you know it!

If you've been paying attention to MLB media over the last couple of weeks, almost everybody thinks that the Padres will ultimately be sellers at the deadline. 

There's a couple of big names like Blake Snell and Josh Hader that are on expiring contracts that could be moved, and it just makes the most sense to retool to try and make a push at a playoff run. 

But hypothetically, what if the Padres stayed the course and turned into buyers at the trade deadline? What do they have to offer?

The answer? Not a lot. 

San Diego unloaded its farm system last season to get Juan Soto, who may very well be on the move again this year, so there aren't very many enticing prospects in the Padres system. However, one thing they do have is big names that could be traded for other big names (i.e. Soto).

If they do turn into buyers, what do they need? 

Catchers

Yes, obviously the catcher of the future in San Diego looks like it's going to be Ethan Salas. But let's not forget, he's only 17. He's nowhere even close to being ready for big league action yet. Austin Nola is having a very disappointing year, and maybe the Padres look to upgrade the position at the deadline this year.

Some names to look out for: Salvador Perez / MJ Melendez (KC), Korey Lee (HOU), Tomas Nido (NYM)

Bullpen Arms

If there's one thing that makes a championship team, it's help in the bullpen. A healthy and reliable bullpen is something that can either make or break a season, and the Padres could look for some help to retool their 'pen.

Some names to look out for: Aaron Loup (LAA), Liam Hendricks (CWS), Brock Burke (TEX), Jason Adam (TB), Scott Barlow (KC)

First Basemen 

If you were to tell me last year that the Padres should look at upgrading first base, I would've said you're crazy. But with Jake Cronenworth having the season he's having, it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility that the Padres could go out and find somebody better to play that spot for the time being and just move Cronenworth over to second.

Some names to look out for: Joey Meneses (WSH), Matt Mervis (CHC), Ji Man Choi (PIT), Bobby Dalbec (BOS)

Again, this is all just a hypothetical because ultimately, it really does look like the Padres are going to be sellers at the deadline if they choose to make any moves at all, but it's always fun to think outside the box.