The San Diego Padres are facing a significant challenge in left field this season, having received the lowest production from this position in baseball, with their left fielders combining for a disappointing –0.7 bWAR over the first 50 games. With the trade deadline still over two months away, the Padres have begun scouting the trade market for potential left field upgrades, as highlighted by Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
The situation worsened on Saturday when Jason Heyward was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a left oblique strain. Although the full extent of the injury is yet to be determined, historically, even minor oblique issues require several weeks of recovery. Heyward’s performance before the injury has been underwhelming, batting just .176/.223/.271 over 95 plate appearances, compounded by a previous stint on the IL for left knee inflammation.
In response to Heyward’s absence, the Padres have called up Luis Campusano from Triple-A, which means the team currently has three catchers: Campusano, Elias Diaz, and Martin Maldonado. Manager Mike Shildt has indicated that Campusano will likely serve as the designated hitter against left-handed pitching, along with potentially playing first base. This move could enable Gavin Sheets to take on more responsibilities in left field. The combination of Sheets, Brandon Lockridge, and utility player Tyler Wade is expected to fill the left field role until Heyward heals or a new player is acquired.
After losing Jurickson Profar to free agency, the Padres initially sought to create an affordable left field platoon by signing Heyward and Connor Joe to one-year, $1 million contracts. However, Heyward’s struggles and the team’s desire to give Lockridge more experience have altered those plans. Joe was traded to the Reds earlier this month, and Oscar Gonzalez was released to join the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan, marking another loss in the outfield depth.
Lockridge’s performance has also been less than stellar, hitting just .197/.258/.262 over 68 plate appearances, while rookie Tirso Ornelas has had limited playing time with similarly disappointing results. Although Sheets has been performing well offensively, his defensive liability in left field raises concerns about creating gaps in the lineup, especially if he is shifted from his role at first base or designated hitter.
With the recent acquisition of Luis Arraez from the Marlins earlier this month, Padres president A.J. Preller may be motivated to seek out a significant upgrade soon. While most teams out of contention typically wait until closer to the deadline to make trades, San Diego might be looking for short-term solutions.
Potential outfielders who could be available include Cedric Mullins, Ryan O’Hearn, and Ramon Laureano from struggling teams like the Orioles or Pirates, especially if those teams decide to sell as June progresses. Additionally, former Padres player Tommy Pham could also be considered.
In this evolving landscape, players like Andrew Benintendi from the White Sox are likely too costly unless significant salary relief is provided by Chicago. Other potential trade candidates include Mike Tauchman, Michael A. Taylor, and Austin Slater, with the possibility of pursuing Jesus Sanchez from the Marlins, even though he has faced challenges at the plate this season.
The situation offers a window of opportunity for the Padres as they navigate through options to bolster their roster, particularly through the trade market, while looking to capitalize on struggling teams to find a suitable left fielder.