Padres Rumors: Insider Thinks Friars and Nationals Could Link for Another Big Trade
As the San Diego Padres continue their attempt to get back into contention for a wild-card spot in the National League as the trade deadline nears. San Diego hasn’t fully committed to which direction they want to go in, but all signs are pointing to them being buyers rather than sellers.
The team still has plenty of talent on the roster, so going for it makes some level of sense. They also invested heavily into this team, and owe the fans to at least try. The Friars seem to believe that they can get back into the postseason, and making some moves at the deadline will help.
According to one MLB insider, the Padres could potentially make a deal with a familiar opponent and one that knows their farm system pretty well. That would be the Washington Nationals, and after the two teams made the massive Juan Soto deal last deadline, they could be trade partners once again.
MLB insider Jim Bowden gave his thoughts on the Padres and Nationals for The Athletic.
"I wouldn’t be as concerned about controllable targets as much as how to add players who could get them into the playoffs this year. Once you’re in, anything can happen. I would target position players including … the Nationals’ Jeimer Candelario, Lane Thomas or Joey Meneses"
Any of these three players could help the Padres out. Lane Thomas has been one of the more underrated players in baseball this season and could provide San Diego with another outfield bat. He is hitting .292 with 16 home runs and 52 runs batted in for the season.
Meneses could provide help at the designated hitter spot, especially after they released Nelson Cruz weeks ago. For the season, he is hitting .279 with six home runs and 50 runs batted in.
And finally, Candelario could help in the infield with his bat. He is hitting .257 with 15 home runs and 46 runs batted in.
Knowing General Manager AJ Preller, he could land a deal for at least two of these players from the Nationals. Washington is very knowledgeable about the Padres farm system and could get even more prospects from the Friars if a trade were to happen.
