3 Underrated Trade Deadline Targets the San Diego Padres Should Pursue Before the 2026 MLB Deadline
As the 2026 MLB trade deadline approaches, the San Diego Padres find themselves in a difficult position. While the organization remains optimistic about reinforcing its pitching staff with returning arms, the team’s biggest concern lies elsewhere. San Diego’s offense has struggled throughout the season, making the acquisition of an impact bat a far greater priority than adding another pitcher.
The Padres have found it increasingly difficult to keep pace with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West race. Entering Thursday, they trailed their division rivals by nine games, placing significant pressure on the front office to make meaningful improvements before the deadline.
Offensively, San Diego has been one of baseball’s least productive teams. Their .220 team batting average ranks last in Major League Baseball, highlighting their inability to generate consistent offense. The power numbers haven’t offered much encouragement either, as the Padres sit tied for 22nd in the league with only 81 home runs. Although additional pitching depth would certainly be welcomed, strengthening the lineup has become the organization’s most urgent need.
Here are three under-the-radar trade candidates who could help revive San Diego’s offense during the second half of the season.
Luis Arraez – Infielder, San Francisco Giants
If the Padres are serious about improving their batting average, few players fit that need better than Luis Arraez. Widely regarded as one of baseball’s premier contact hitters, Arraez continues to demonstrate his elite bat-to-ball skills. He currently ranks fifth in Major League Baseball with a stellar .321 batting average, once again proving why he remains one of the toughest hitters to strike out.
While his ability to reach base hasn’t quite matched his remarkable 2023 campaign, his current .358 on-base percentage still represents an improvement over each of the previous two seasons. His consistency at the plate would immediately provide stability to a Padres lineup that has struggled to manufacture runs.
A reunion would also make plenty of sense considering Arraez’s previous stint in San Diego during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The organization is already familiar with his skill set, and reports have linked him as a realistic trade candidate for the Padres once again.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer identified San Diego as one of the most logical destinations for the veteran infielder. While teams such as the Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays also have needs at second base, the Padres remain an intriguing fit. Their decision to shift Fernando Tatis Jr. to second base opened opportunities elsewhere, but the offensive production they have received from Nick Castellanos has been disappointing. With Castellanos batting just .194 and posting a .560 OPS, his role appears increasingly uncertain.
Arraez himself has spoken fondly about his time with the Padres, making the possibility of a reunion even more appealing.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Arraez praised both the clubhouse atmosphere and the organization as a whole, noting that President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller assembled a strong group of players. He also expressed appreciation for San Diego’s passionate fan base and acknowledged the positive relationships he built during his time with the club.
Given both the Padres’ offensive struggles and Arraez’s familiarity with the organization, bringing him back could provide an immediate boost to the lineup.
Adley Rutschman – Catcher, Baltimore Orioles
Another position that deserves attention is catcher. Offensive production behind the plate has been limited for San Diego this season, making Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman an intriguing trade possibility.
Freddy Fermin has struggled to provide much offensive impact, while Luis Campusano has spent an extended period on the injured list. Campusano had been contributing before suffering an injury that has sidelined him since May 5. Although the initial expectation was that he might avoid an injured list stint altogether, the recovery process ultimately required more time.
Earlier in the season, Padres manager Craig Stammen explained that the team’s situation behind the plate left little flexibility. He emphasized that catcher is one position where teams cannot afford to compromise, making it essential for Campusano to recover fully rather than attempting to play through the injury.
Rutschman would represent a significant upgrade if he becomes available. Before his recent injury, the Orioles’ catcher had produced respectable offensive numbers, batting .254 with eight home runs and 40 RBIs while maintaining a solid .329 on-base percentage. His combination of offensive consistency, defensive ability, and leadership would strengthen the Padres at one of their weakest positions.
Rutschman is currently dealing with his own health concerns after suffering a concussion when he was struck on the left side of the head by a throw from Seattle Mariners shortstop Colt Emerson. Fortunately, he is expected to become eligible for activation this weekend.
Still, concussions remain especially concerning for catchers because of the physical demands of the position. Orioles manager Craig Albernaz acknowledged the unfortunate nature of the injury, noting that catchers routinely absorb foul tips, backswings, and collisions at home plate, making head injuries particularly difficult to manage.
If Rutschman returns healthy and Baltimore decides to move him, San Diego should strongly consider making a serious offer.
Taylor Ward – Left Fielder, Baltimore Orioles
Taylor Ward may not generate the same headlines as some of the bigger names expected to be available, but he could prove to be one of the smartest additions the Padres make.
Although his power production has declined compared to last season—he has hit just five home runs after blasting 36 in 2025—Ward continues to contribute offensively in other areas. He is batting .257 while posting an impressive .389 on-base percentage, a figure that comfortably exceeds his previous career high.
His improved plate discipline suggests he has become more selective at the plate, and many evaluators believe the power numbers could rebound during the second half of the season as his underlying metrics normalize.
ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan also identified Ward as an appealing trade candidate. While acknowledging that his defensive value has declined somewhat, they pointed out that he continues to provide above-average offensive production for the sixth consecutive season. They also noted that his dramatic increase in walk rate has helped offset a decline in his barrel percentage.
Perhaps most encouraging for potential buyers, the underlying indicators suggest Ward still possesses the ability to produce significantly more power than his current statistics indicate. Positive regression could make him an even more valuable contributor over the final months of the season.
For San Diego, the fit is especially attractive. Ward addresses an immediate offensive weakness without requiring the organization to commit to a lengthy contract. At 32 years old, he also may not command the overwhelming prospect package that younger stars typically require.
That consideration is especially important for the Padres, whose farm system lacks elite depth. Unless the front office is pursuing a franchise-altering player such as Tarik Skubal, preserving top prospects while still improving the major league roster remains a sensible strategy.
Final Thoughts
The Padres’ path back into serious postseason contention depends largely on improving an offense that has consistently underperformed throughout the 2026 season. While additional pitching depth would certainly help, acquiring impactful hitters should remain the organization’s primary objective before the trade deadline.
Whether it’s the elite contact ability of Luis Arraez, the two-way value of Adley Rutschman, or the balanced offensive skill set of Taylor Ward, each player offers qualities that directly address San Diego’s biggest weaknesses. Any one of these acquisitions could provide the spark the Padres need as they attempt to close the gap in the National League West and strengthen their playoff aspirations.
