Padres 'perfect' trade target if they buy is a $53M Reds All-Star pitcher

The San Diego Padres are always a team to keep an eye on for the trade deadline since A.J. Preller took over. Almost anything is on the table for the Padres, and this year, that could even include a Mason Miller trade one year after spending a fortune to get him.

But, on the flip side, it wouldn't be a huge surprise if the Padres wound up as trade deadline buyers, either. They are just 4.0 games out of the NL Wild Card, and could make up that ground in the next few days before the trade deadline.

If they do wind up as buyers, The Athletic's Jim Bowden identified their "perfect" trade target, and it's unexpectedly $53 million Cincinnati Reds All-Star pitcher Hunter Greene.

Hunter Greene called 'perfect' trade target for Padres

"However, if the Padres decide to buy, then I think their best target will be Greene," Bowden writes. "They need a long-term ace to lead their pitching staff, and he can be just that."

The Padres swinging a blockbuster trade at the MLB trade deadline wouldn't be a surprise, but this potential trade would be a little unexpected.

Greene recently returned from the injured list, and while he has a 6.06 ERA this season, his prior production should give the Padres confidence in the 26-year-old right-hander.

Last season in 19 starts for the Reds, Greene posted a 2.76 ERA in 26 starts the year prior; he had a 2.75 ERA, earning an All-Star nod and an eighth-place Cy Young finish in the National League.

MORE: MLB execs believe Padres will trade Mason Miller at trade deadline

One of the most important parts of this potential deal is that Greene is signed through the 2028 season on a six-year, $53 million contract, which also has a team option for 2029.

That's a lot of control for a young pitcher, and it would make the price of such a pitcher very expensive. The Reds are open to selling, but their plan is likely to compete again in 2027.

Greene is probably a part of those plans, so the Padres would need to overwhelm the Reds to move off their 26-year-old ace. But if anyone can do that, it's Preller.

While Bowden named Greene the Padres "perfect" trade target this summer, there's a chance the Padres aren't good enough to contend, and instead opt to sell some of their players. But, if they buy, a young controllable pitcher like Greene would be ideal.

More MLB news:

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• Nick Pivetta has to return from IL by August 22 to avoid missing out on $32 million contract with Padres
• Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani injury update essentially ends Cy Young chances
• Yankees send scouts to Cubs vs. Twins series amid trade interest in three players
• Phillies ‘would love’ to trade for Mets reliever Luke Weaver