Padres Rumors: MLB Insider Shares the Latest on Friars Chances of Punting in 2023

The Padres must decide whether to buy or to sell at the deadline.

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Padres don’t know if they are buyers or sellers at the deadline.

While the Padres don’t have any hope of winning the National League Western Division with the Dodgers, the Diamondbacks, and the Giants in front of them and 9 games to make up, they have a slim hope of being one of the National League Wild Card teams. Still, they have several teams in front of them in the Wild Card race and need to climb 6 games.

Rosenthal addressed San Diego's up in the air status as the deadline looms, sharing that he, much like the Padres, doesn't know quite what the plan will be.

"I don't know that they know [if they're buying or selling]. If you talk to other teams, what they'll tell you is that the Padres are still conflicted and still trying to figure out what to do."

The trade market is heating up ahead of Tuesday's deadline. We caught up with @Ken_Rosenthal for the latest on the Mets, Padres and more 🔊 pic.twitter.com/WcZxrOofyK

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 29, 2023

In the past offseason, the Padres gave out long contracts like they were Halloween candy. Most teams who want to buy players with short-term contracts and are having great performances. Other than the pitchers, no Padres are having great, consistent performances this season.

With their busted television deal, the Padres may not have the means to rebuild the team in the 2023-2024 offseason. Of course, if they become sellers, they could potentially help themselves in bringing in young, controllable talent to add to the group of veterans that are locked up long term.

Rosenthal adds that Juan Soto seems less likely to be moved by Tuesday, but Blake Snell and Josh Hader are obviously attractive pieces that could net the club some top tier talent.

If the Padres decide to sell their incredible pitching talent, they will get a boatload of top prospects. With these prospects, the Padres could be a sustained winning team for the next decade. Soon, the Padres’ front office must decide what direction to go for their future.