Winner: San Diego Padres
If Padres GM AJ Preller isn’t among the 'winners' every year, was it really a trade deadline? This reputation Preller has built for himself comes with no regrets, and why should there be? San Diego swings for the fences and that should be rewarded in a sport where bold moves are often lacking.
San Diego Padres' Strategic Moves
For each of the nine prospects they traded for three relievers and one starter, the Padres will find 10 more gems to replace them. Preller’s talent for scouting keeps San Diego’s pipeline replenished amidst all the wheeling and dealing.
Occupying one of the National League’s three wild card spots, the Padres were well-positioned to buy. They landed the best closer available, Tanner Scott, and also secured Bryan Hoeing’s 2.70 ERA in the deal. The price was high, including three of the Padres top-15 prospects and infielder Jay Beshears, but it was a seller’s market, and Preller paid the premium.
Key Acquisitions
The acquisition of Jason Adam, a former Tampa Bay Rays reliever, cost two additional top-15 prospects, Dylan Lesko and Homer Bush Jr., as well as catcher J.D. Gonzalez. Martin Perez was a solid addition to the starting rotation, bringing World Series experience from the Texas Rangers.
In total, the Padres secured two of the top relievers on the market, plus a depth starter, forming one of the most dominant bullpens in the game with Scott, Adam, Robert Suarez, Jeremiah Estrada, and Adrian Morejon.
World Series Odds: +3000
