Three trade targets the Padres should explore

The season has already been a rollercoaster for the Padres just 16 games into the year. Currently sitting in second place in the NL West with an 8-9 record, they fought their way back to a .500 record with a comeback win over the Los Angeles Dodgers Friday night before falling to the Dodgers Saturday to drop back below .500. 

Winning the division still seems far-fetched but, but this San Diego team has shown resistance that it missed in 2023 and recent history has shown anything can happen if you just get into the postseason. There's still work to be done on the roster as the Padres look to accomplish that goal, and these three players could push the Padres over the hump, perhaps even past the star-studded Dodgers.

Second baseman Luis Arraez

The Padres and Arraez have been connected for some time now. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic noted that San Diego made a strong offer for him during spring training.

The two-time Silver Slugger and batting champ has not started 2024 up to his normal standards. Through 67 plate appearances, he has a slash line of .259/.358/.328 and an OPS+ of 90. However, there's no reason to believe this isn't just a beginning of the year slump.

That slump though could be the perfect opportunity for the Padres to go and get Arraez while his value should be lower than it was during spring training.

Outfielder Taylor Ward

Unless things drastically change, you can expect the Angels to be sellers once the trade deadline comes around. Maybe the Padres can capitalize on that even sooner.

Ward is off to a hot start in 2024. He's notched five home runs, 16 RBI, 11 runs, 18 hits, and an OPS of .937 through 60 plate appearances. He would also fill a much-needed role in the Padres outfield despite Jurickson Profar holding his own so far in left field.

What sweetens the deal even more is that Ward has multiple years of control. He's under arbitration through 2027 and is earning just $4.8 million for the 2024 season.

RHP David Bednar

Bednar was with the Padres from 2019-20 before he was traded to Pittsburgh in a package deal that landed San Diego Joe Musgrove. Now four years later the Friars should seriously consider bringing him back. 

Bednar was an All-Star the previous two seasons and led the National League in saves last year. This year, however, he's off to a rough start. He's blown three saves in five opportunities with an ERA of 10.13 and a WHIP of 1.313. Similar to Arraez, though, he's a proven All-Star who can easily get back on track.

Similar to Ward, the Padres would have multiple years of cheap control with Bednar as he isn't slated to become a free agent until 2028 and at that point will be entering his age 33 season.