Padres relief pitcher Robert Suarez Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Why Padres are team to watch ahead of trade deadline

By Jackson Weber | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 3:51 PM ET

Something is brewing in San Diego.

With the trade deadline (6 p.m. ET) rapidly approaching, deals are starting to go down and rumors are at a fever pitch. The Padres (59-49 through Tuesday) have yet to accomplish anything big, but don’t expect that to remain the case.

General manager A.J. Preller is known to be ultra-aggressive. However, it sounds like Preller wants to get creative and is willing to buy and sell at over the next 24-plus hours.

San Diego starting pitcher Dylan Cease has floated around the rumor mill in recently, and on Wednesday came the surprising news that All-Star closer Robert Suarez is also in play. MLB insider Jon Heyman provided the update on X (formerly Twitter).

“Padres All-Star closer Robert Suarez is being discussed in trades, rivals say. Suarez has $16M, 2-year player option he should decline. Padres pen is the best but they’d likely want to add another reliever if they trade Suarez. Dylan Cease also remains in many trade talks,” Heyman wrote.

Padres All-Star closer Robert Suarez is being discussed in trades, rivals say. Suarez has $16M, 2-year player option he should decline. Padres pen is the best but they’d likely want to add another reliever if they trade Suarez. Dylan Cease also remains in many trade talks.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2025

ESPN insider Jeff Passan also wrote Wednesday that he’s heard the Padres are, “as always, toying with something big."

Up-to-the-minute trade intel, with @Buster_ESPN, free and unlocked at ESPN: https://t.co/wGNHwC4lLq
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2025

Suarez is a two-time All-Star who is having another strong season as San Diego closer. He leads MLB with 30 saves and has a 3.50 ERA in 46 games. The Padres' bullpen is a strength, which could make the 34-year-old with a player opt-out at season's end expendable in order to improve at other positions.

Cease has had a bit of a bumpy campaign (3-10, 4.79 ERA in 22 starts). The 29-year-old has drawn considerable interest on the trade market, and it's believed the Padres want immediate help in the outfield or at catcher in any deal. Cease can become a free agent this winter, which could further persuade Preller to move him at the deadline.

San Diego has also been connected to the likes of star outfielders Steven Kwan (Cleveland), Jarren Duran (Boston) and Luis Robert (Chicago White Sox) as buyers.

Expect the unexpected when it comes to the Padres, who could make for one of the more fascinating teams to keep an eye on before the trade deadline.

Jackson Weber

Jackson Weber is a sports writer with a BComm in Business and Sport Management from the University of Guelph. While he has focused primarily on NHL coverage in recent years, he brings strong knowledge and passion for the NFL, MLB, and NBA. Following all four major leagues year-round, Jackson delivers honest, opinion-driven stories on the biggest topics in sports

More must-reads: