Padres' Bright Future: Pitchers Return, Possible Trades Ahead

Padres' Playoff Prospects and Key Developments

At the All-Star break, the San Diego Padres have a record of 52-44, showing promise for a strong playoff run as their pitching staff becomes healthier. The team has seen some key players returning to action, which could significantly impact their performance in the second half of the season.

One of the most notable returns is that of veteran right-hander Yu Darvish. He rejoined the rotation on July 7 after three months of recovery from elbow inflammation. In the 2024 regular season, Darvish posted a 7-3 record with a 3.31 ERA in 16 starts. His first start this year saw him strike out the first batter he faced, Corbin Carroll of the Diamondbacks, but he ended up with a loss after allowing two runs in four and two-thirds innings. In his second start on July 12, he gave up four runs in the same amount of innings.

The Padres are also expected to welcome back another right-handed pitcher, Michael King, in early August. King has been on the 60-day injured list since May 22 due to a nerve issue in his throwing shoulder. Additionally, Joe Musgrove, who underwent Tommy John surgery last October, may return to the lineup if the team makes the postseason. Musgrove has started playing catch off the mound and believes he can be ready for game action in the playoffs, which begin on September 30.

With a record eight games above .500, the Padres have reason to believe they can secure a playoff spot. Their winning percentage at the All-Star break this year is better than it was during the same point in either of their previous two campaigns. Last year, the team had a 50-49 record at the break but struggled by winning only four of its last 10 games. This year, however, they bounced back from a tough June by winning six of their last 10 games.

Currently, the Padres sit in the final wild card slot, just ahead of the Giants (52-45). They trail the Dodgers (58-39) by 5.5 games. The team will resume play with a three-game series against the Nationals.

Trade Deadline Considerations

As the July 31 trade deadline approaches, the Padres are looking to make strategic moves. General Manager A.J. Preller has been actively reaching out to other teams to gauge potential opportunities. He mentioned that the team has been making calls for a few weeks to understand what other teams might be considering, so they can align their strategy accordingly.

Adding one or two strong hitters is a possibility. The Padres could use help in the bottom of the lineup or as bench players. Catchers and left fielders have not provided much production this season, so the team might look to address those positions. Some analysts suggest that Red Sox outfielder Jarron Duran could be a good fit in left field, provided the Padres don’t have to give up too much in return.

Drafting for the Future

The Padres are also focusing on future talent. With the 25th overall pick in the MLB Draft on July 13, they selected Kruz Schoolcraft, a 6’8” left-hander from Oregon. This marks the ninth consecutive year the Padres have drafted a high schooler. They have until July 28 to sign Schoolcraft away from his commitment to the University of Tennessee.

On the first day of the draft, the Padres also selected outfielder Ryan Wideman from Western Kentucky University in the third round. In the fourth and fifth rounds, they picked right-handed pitcher Michael Salina from St. Bonaventure University and catcher Ty Harvey from Inspiration Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

Highlights from the First Half

Manny Machado has been the Padres’ standout player this season, with a .292 batting average, 17 home runs, and 56 RBIs. On July 7, he became the fifth active player and 297th player overall to reach 2,000 career hits. Over 950 of those hits have come while with the Padres, where he signed as a free agent in 2019.

Machado’s achievement places him among an elite group of Padres players who have reached 2,000 hits in their careers, including Tony Gwynn, Steve Garvey, Graig Nettles, Garry Templeton, and Mike Piazza.

Fernando Tatis Jr., another star on the roster, has not performed as consistently this season. He has a .269 batting average with 16 home runs and 42 RBIs. Despite this, he still made the All-Star team. The Padres sent five players to the All-Star Game, matching the number of players the Dodgers sent and exceeding the Giants by two.

Tatis Jr., along with pitchers Adrian Morejon, Robert Suárez, and Jason Adam, received All-Star bids. Machado started the game at third base. However, there was a moment of controversy when Morejon put two batters on base before Randy Rodriguez of the Giants hit a three-run shot.