Padres Open-Minded at Deadline
The MLB trade deadline is just around the corner, with only two weeks and five days remaining before the Aug. 3 cutoff. The San Diego Padres, who are currently 3 ½ games behind the third National League wild card spot, are reportedly taking an open-minded approach to the deadline. According to General Manager A.J. Preller, the team will be open to acquiring new players or making trades that can help the club.
Preller stated, ‘We’re going to go into the process open-minded to see what’s there and see what can help our club. We’re going to go in open-minded about whether it’s acquiring players or looking at it if we have to go another direction. All those things are on the table.’
Despite their open-minded approach, the Padres are expected to prioritize keeping All-Star closer Mason Miller, who has done an ‘unbelievable job’ for the team. Miller’s deal was made with the intention that he would be with the team for a long time, and the Padres intend to keep him.
The Padres have several players who could be traded at the deadline, including rental relievers Jason Adam and Adrian Morejon, as well as other rentals like Miguel Andujar, Walker Buehler, and Ty France. The team could also listen to offers on controllable players like Luis Campusano and Michael King.
American League Sluggers Want to Stay Put
Two American League sluggers, Munetaka Murakami and Willson Contreras, have expressed their desire to stay with their current teams long-term. Murakami, who plays for the White Sox, stated that he wants to remain with the team, while Contreras, who plays for the Red Sox, said that he is not interested in being traded.
Murakami’s comments were made during the All-Star Game, where he was asked about his desire to stay with the White Sox. He responded by saying, ‘Yes, very much.’ Murakami is in the first year of a two-year, $34 million contract, and his extension could be a priority for the White Sox in the coming offseason.
Contreras, who has full no-trade protection, stated that he is not interested in being traded, saying, ‘The front office knows the answer. I don’t think I’m interested in going anywhere.’ Contreras is owed $17 million in 2027 and has a $20 million club option for 2028, making him a valuable asset to the Red Sox.
Brewers Acquire McCullers in Astros Trade
The Astros and Brewers have finalized a trade that sends Lance McCullers Jr. to Milwaukee in exchange for outfield prospect Jadyn Fielder and reliever Colton Gordon, along with cash considerations. McCullers, who is 32 and has been on the injured list with shoulder inflammation since May 13, is owed $17 million this season and has full no-trade protection as a 10-and-5 player.
The trade may be more of a salary dump than a move to strengthen the Brewers’ roster, given McCullers’ injury history and poor performance this year. However, the team may still see value in acquiring a player with McCullers’ experience and talent.
