Padres Already Linked to Blockbuster Offseason Trade for All-Star Catcher

After the trade deadline, the San Diego Padres don't have very many weaknesses on the roster.

The front office addressed the starting pitching issue, while the bullpen is still one of the best in baseball. Additionally, the offense has finally woken up, giving this team some new signs of life heading into the stretch run.

Yet, if there is one area of potential need, it's at the catcher position. San Diego does have Luis Campusano and Freddy Fermin as options, but they could still stand to upgrade the position in the future.

The Padres may try to address the position in the coming offseason, with the team reportedly attempting to land an All-Star catcher at the trade deadline.

CBS Sports MLB analyst Mike Axisa looked ahead to the offseason, naming All-Star William Contreras as a potential option for the Padres. Contreras has a club option for $14.5 million for next season, a number that the Milwaukee Brewers will likely pick up.

But Milwaukee has been known to trade away players just before they can hit free agency, and Contreras could be next.

Should the Padres Trade for William Contreras?

After being traded to Milwaukee four years ago, Contreras has put together a solid career. The catcher has made two All-Star teams with the Brewers, and he's been one of the many reasons why Milwaukee has been dominant over the last few seasons.

So far this year, Contreras has hit .264 with 12 home runs and 64 RBIs, while posting an OPS of .722. San Diego could have the 28-year-old become the catcher of the future for the group, giving them extra firepower in the lineup to work with.

Milwaukee traded for catcher Bo Naylor at the deadline this year, potentially opening the door for a Contreras deal in the offseason. If he's made available, the Padres should look to at least call the Brewers to see what it may take to land his services.

What About Ethan Salas?

On the flip side, the Padres do have top prospect Ethan Salas waiting in the wings at the catcher spot. This could limit how aggressive they may be in a deal for Contreras or any other catcher.

Salas is in the midst of a breakout year, with him being promoted to Triple-A recently. The Padres have even discussed bringing Salas to the big leagues as a September call-up, giving him some first reps.

The 20-year-old has been mashing the ball at Triple-A, hitting .344 with three home runs and 20 RBIs, while posting an OPS of 1.040 in 16 games. Salas has long been viewed as the future of the Padres catcher position, and trading for someone like Contreras could hinder this plan.

The Padres could elect to trade Salas for other roster assets, but the team has been very happy with his progress so far. Overall, keeping Salas as the catcher of the future seems to be more likely, with the team going after an All-Star like Contreras being seen as an option only if Salas isn't yet ready.

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