.jpg)
3 hours ago
1
Of the teams across the MLB, no team has a clearer need than the San Diego Padres. With a massive hole in left field, the Padres have to find a solution by the MLB trade deadline. In an article from Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report, Kelly urged the Padres to find a new left fielder.
"Still," Kelly writes. "This is a club that hasn't been able to replace Jurickson Profar's production in left field from a season ago. Veteran Jason Heyward was recently designated for assignment, making it evident that general manager A.J. Preller needs to add in the outfield."
With a clear need in left field, the Padres have a few teams they could inquire with to add an outfielder. One of the names Kelly brings up is trading with the Los Angeles Angels for an outfielder, specifically left fielder Taylor Ward.
The Angels' left fielder has one more year of control left after 2025, meaning the Padres would not have to worry about finding a new left fielder after the 2025 season. He's not a rental, but rather a solution.
Ward is 31 years old and in his eighth MLB season, all with the Angels. In 2025, he's been solid. Ward has 61 hits, 42 runs scored, 15 doubles, one triple, 19 home runs, 52 RBIs, 25 walks, and 86 strikeouts in 290 at-bats.
While his slugging percentage is solid, at .466, his batting average (.210) and on-base percentage (.271) are both below his career averages by a significant margin. Overall, his OPS of .737 is still solid and would be a major upgrade over their current crop of left fielders.
Kelly is urging the Padres to trade for a left fielder and brings up Ward as his top choice for the Padres. With such a clear need, and the Angels willing to listen to offers for Ward, the fit makes a ton of sense for both sides.
The only issue is that the Angels are still in contention, so the Padres would have to hope the Angels lose some games to close out June and throughout July.
English (US)