Padres' A.J. Preller predicted to make trade that 'none' of MLB expects

While the San Diego Padres might not be in the best shape, their 42-37 record is just 0.5 game out of a postseason spot this season.

The offense has struggled, though the pitching staff, led by an elite bullpen, has been a huge reason for the team's success this year. But, when it comes to the trade deadline in a little over a month, what will the Padres do?

Well, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com is predicting that the Padres and A.J. Preller will do something that "none" of MLB, whether it's other teams, the fans, or media, expects them to do this summer.

Padres are predicted to stun MLB with unexpected trade deadline move

"The only thing I feel good predicting: There will be at least one Padres move between now and Aug. 3 that none of us saw coming," Feinsand writes.

Preller has a knack for the blockbuster move, and something could be in the works this season once again. Maybe the Padres land Tarik Skubal, or they get an elite slugger to make up for the struggles of Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and others.

Regardless of what the Padres wind up doing, Preller is predicted by Feinsand to make a move that stuns Major League Baseball by August 3 and the MLB trade deadline.

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Last season, despite having an elite bullpen, Preller traded for Mason Miller from the Athletics. Maybe they swing another blockbuster move for a top reliever, or maybe they trade one of their big-name players to get out of a large contract.

Whatever it might be, Feinsand is predicting the Padres will pull off a stunning trade this summer, one that is completely unexpected.

If this prediction comes true, then Padres fans might be in for a wild August, as Preller could be readying up a big move this season that none of baseball expected to see.

More MLB news:

• Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani might not be able to pitch during MLB All-Star Game
• Phillies reportedly turn down Bryce Harper's outfield offer to help at trade deadline
• Giants are ‘hopeful ‘ they can trade Matt Chapman by MLB deadline
• Angles can demand more in trade for Reid Detmers than Tigers can for Tarik Skubal
• Giants are 'pessimistic' they can trade Rafael Devers or Willy Adames