Back in 2022, the San Diego Padres acquired Juan Soto for a massive package of prospects. That trade may go down as one of the biggest in MLB history when it’s all said and done. While many believe it was worth the risk, it looks like it’s going to be devastating for the future of the franchise. Top prospects James Wood, MacKenzie Gore, and CJ Abrams were sent to the Nationals. All three look like star-caliber players, and most importantly, Wood looks like a future MVP.
As we get close to the trade deadline, there’s no question that the San Diego Padres will need to make some serious moves. While they currently sit in a playoff spot, their offense is well below league average. At the All-Star break, the Friars rank 14th in home runs, 12th in OPS, and 13th in runs scored.
While the vast majority of playoff contenders will be looking to add in the pitching department, the Padres need an impact bat, much like they did in 2022. This time around, they need to make sure they rule one of their prospects as untouchable. That youngster is Leo De Vries.
Why the Padres Can’t Trade De Vries?
The 18-year-old, switch-hitting shortstop has superstar written all over him. De Vries currently ranks as the third-best prospect according to MLB Pipeline and may take over the top spot by the end of this season. He’s a true five-tool player with a 60 hit grade and 55 grades across the rest of the categories.
MLB Pipeline went on to break down his talent.
“De Vries already shows an exquisite knowledge of the zone and will take his walks like he’s a player many years older. He needed just a little bit more exposure to California League arms before making the adjustment to their quality, and that speaks well to how he’ll handle higher levels. He’s proven to be a better slugger from the right side early in his career — seven of his 11 homers came from the right despite getting 162 fewer plate appearances there — but he has enough bat speed from the left that splits aren’t a major concern.”
De Vries is only going to continue to improve, and he’s still well ahead of his peers. While he won’t be helping the Padres in 2025, his call-up could be as early as next season. It’s not worth trading him away when considering the potential impact he will have on the next decade.
What Their Trade Deadline Plan Should Be?
By not trading De Vries, the Padres won’t have the ammo to land a star at this deadline, but that’s okay. This team needs depth more than anything. With Gavin Sheets presumably taking over as the starting left fielder (and earning that role), the Padres can focus their attention elsewhere. Realistically, the Padres need to add three bats at the deadline, including a starting catcher. Swinging a deal or two for 1B/DH types that are rentals is likely the cheapest way to bolster the lineup. Ryan O’Hearn is atop the list that fits that bill, and there are likely to be many others available.
If San Diego ends up adding two sluggers and a starting catcher, the offense will improve enough to feel confident in making a deep playoff run. They don’t need to trade away their future superstar this time around. They already have their stars, and if they navigate this deadline correctly, they will have another one called up next season.
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