Padres GM has 'checked in on' Shohei Ohtani, Frankie Montas

It's unclear whether Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani is even available in trade talks. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Padres GM A.J. Preller reportedly has 'checked in on' Angels MVP Shohei Ohtani, A's ace Frankie Montas

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 7/28/22

The San Diego Padres are one of just six MLB teams to have never won a World Series. They haven't gotten past the division series since their last appearance in the Fall Classic in 1998 and haven't won a postseason game outside of the wild-card round since 2006.

While the Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to be yet again running away with NL West division crown, the Padres are right in the thick of the wild-card chase, currently holding on to to the second spot in those standings at 55-45. The success this season has come despite being without star shortstop — and last year's home run king — Fernando Tatis Jr. all season long due to his ongoing recovery from wrist surgery.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, San Diego's front office may be looking to make a significant splash ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline to help the cause.

Padres GM A.J. Preller has checked in on the Angels’ Shohei Ohtani and the Athletics’ Frankie Montas, sources tell @Ken_Rosenthal.

Why San Diego's interest in starting pitchers is potentially revealing on several fronts: https://t.co/QyO7mwMHYF pic.twitter.com/xPC9vvyLo1
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 28, 2022

One of the few holdovers from the 2021 Oakland Athletics' campaign, Montas has been involved in countless trade rumors essentially since Opening Day. Though the righty has just a 4-9 record, it's come largely due to playing on the worst team in the American League.

Montas also boasts a 3.18 ERA and career-best 1.12 WHIP, while striking out 109 batters in 104 2/3 inning pitched across 19 starts.

Although the Los Angeles Angels — like the A's — are nowhere near playoff contention this season, it would be a surprise to see them trade Ohtani, a once-in-a-lifetime talent. It was reported last week that thus far, the Angels has been turning away teams looking to pry away the reigning AL MVP.

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