The San Diego Padres are off to a strong start in 2025 and have put themselves in early MLB playoff contention. But even with the success, the front office is already eyeing a fix for a growing problem.
The Padres rank in the top half of all MLB teams in overall outfield production. But when it comes to left field specifically, they’re dead last—with a -0.8 bWAR at the position.
San Diego Padres Reportedly Looking at Pirates Star to Bolster LF Options
Their depth in left field took another hit when veteran Jason Heyward landed on the 10-day injured list last Saturday. The 35-year-old is dealing with an oblique issue, which usually takes a few weeks to heal fully.
Heyward already missed time earlier this season with knee inflammation. And when healthy, his performance hasn’t helped much. He’s hitting just .176 with two home runs and a .494 OPS, suitable for a rough 38 OPS+ on the year.
According to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres want to bring in a left fielder even though the trade deadline is still a few months away. Gavin Sheets, Brandon Lockeridge, and Tyler Wade will man the position until then.
“The Padres have begun exploring the trade market for a left fielder,” he wrote in his column earlier this week.
Jason Heyward’s injury forces San Diego Padres into desperate trade battle for left field upgrade https://t.co/cgHzawCJk9
— M Sports (@MSports_all) May 27, 2025
Jurickson Profar enjoyed an All-Star campaign in the role for the Padres last season before leaving the team in free agency. The Padres responded by adding Heyward and Connor Joe as a left field platoon combination.
Those plans were abandoned early, as the Padres wished to give Lockeridge more opportunities following Heyward’s struggles. Another trade move seems to be on the cards now after they traded Joe to the Cincinnati Reds this month.
As always, veteran Tommy Pham is one name that pops up as a rental option for a playoff team. The 37-year-old had played two seasons with the team in 2020 and 2021 as well.
At the start of the MLB season, Pham signed a one-year, $4.025 million deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He has struggled to make an impact for the Pirates, with a .206/.281/.237 slash line without hitting a single home run in over 130 at-bats.
The Baltimore Orioles would present a great option if they chose to dismantle the team after a shockingly poor two months of the season. Cedric Mullins, Ryan O’Hearn, and Ramon Laureano should all be attractive options for the Padres.
Michael Tauchman, Austin Slater, and Michael Taylor of the Chicago White Sox could also be on their radar. Andrew Benintendi may also interest the Padres if the White Sox are willing to eat up a sizeable chunk of his contract.