The Padres are going for it at this year’s MLB Trade Deadline
Few can question the Padres motives in 2020, as San Diego has a rare chance to not just make the NL Playoffs, but make some noise as well. The Pads sit a comfortable second in the NL West, and odds are that’s where they’ll stay as they sit behind the surging, and seemingly perfect Los Angeles Dodgers. However, anything can happen come the postseason, and AJ Preller is doing what he can to add to his roster via the players available.
First was Trevor Rosenthal, an affordable relief upgrade Preller acquired from the Kansas City Royals. Next came Mitch Moreland, a power threat a first base from the Boston Red Sox. While some pundits are still expecting expecting San Diego to swing big, the Padres have added another affordable option, this time at catcher in Jason Castro.
What did the Padres give up for Jason Castro?
The Angels are far from contention, wasting another year of Mike Trout’s prime. Rather than waste away at the deadline, LA is moving some expendable pieces for prospects, which is where Castro comes in.
Austin Hedges and Francisco Mejia has been splitting the catching duties for the Padres, and Castro will provide at least a minor offensive upgrade. In return, the Angels will receive reliever Gerardo Reyes. Reyes has triple-digit potential, and a filthy slider.
Something interesting on RHP Gerardo Reyes beyond his triple-digit velocity:
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 30, 2020
He threw his slider 111 times in the big leagues last year, and gave up just five hits on it – all singles.
Still, for San Diego, Reyes is well worth the price given their current predicament at catcher. Castro is in a contract year which explains why the price was lower than it otherwise would have been, but his acquisition — as well as the trades for Moreland and Rosenthal — represent a change in philosophy for Preller.
The Padres are going for it.