A.J. Preller Delivers Message After Padres Trade Deadline

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A.J. Preller Delivers Message After Padres Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Aug 4, 2026 11:09 AM ET

San Diego Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller made it clear he has no regrets about the club's aggressive approach at the MLB trade deadline, defending the organization's willingness to sacrifice top prospects in pursuit of a championship.

Speaking after the deadline, Preller emphasized that the Padres remain committed to winning now after reshaping their pitching staff with multiple high-profile additions.

The Padres entered Tuesday with a 58-55 record, sitting third in the National League West and occupying the final National League Wild Card spot.

The Padres traded three of their top nine prospects for a couple rental starters:

"We're trying to win," A.J. Preller said. "We don't apologize for it. We're trying to win championships. We're trying to get to the postseason and do it year after year."
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) August 3, 2026

"We're trying to win," Preller said. "We don't apologize for it. We're trying to win championships. We're trying to get to the postseason and do it year after year."

The Padres backed up that philosophy by acquiring veteran starters Robbie Ray and Casey Mize before the deadline. San Diego sent several of its top-ranked prospects to complete the deals, including Miguel Mendez, Joniel Hernandez, Kash Mayfield and Jackson Wolf.

San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen (14) Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Ray arrives from the San Francisco Giants after returning to full health and is expected to strengthen the front of the rotation for the remainder of the season. Mize, meanwhile, joins from the Detroit Tigers after posting a 2.70 ERA across 16 starts in 2026. Although he dealt with recurring groin issues earlier this year, he has recovered and enters San Diego without physical limitations.

The additions provide a significant boost to a rotation that has relied heavily on bullpen games in recent weeks. With Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta also progressing toward rehab assignments, the Padres believe they have assembled the pitching depth needed for a postseason push.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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