As the trade deadline is knocking on the door, one team is in the thick of it, not for selling but buying: the San Diego Padres. They are in an unexpected position—still very much in the hunt and yet looking for an upgrade for a deep run. But here is where things get interesting: while most contenders are looking to add to their roster, the Padres could be the ones shipping someone out.

There are rumors of them shipping out Dylan Cease, and the Yankees might be the ones to get him. Now the Padres need an MLB-ready catcher and left fielder in return for Cease, and hence that move. And it just so happens that the Yankees can meet their demands with a player or players they have on their 26-man roster—like J.C. Escarra.

The 30-year-old catcher has become a surprise target this deadline. Joel Sherman earlier this month had reported that ‘Escarra has been on several teams’ radar dating back to last year.” And it seems like the New York Yankees skipper is hinting at something, too. Aaron Boone didn’t hold back in talking about Escarra, saying, “I believe that if he was in the right situation, I really think he could be an everyday catcher, both defensively and offensively,” Boone said. Well, do you hear that, Padres?

Now, there is no doubt that Escarra’s numbers are anything but head-turning. He is at a .205 batting average with 2 home runs and 10 RBIs in 83 at-bats this season. However, he had an underlying value for sure, given he has logged 197 innings behind the plate with two Defensive Runs Saved and four Framing Runs. Plus, he is also versatile and plays first and third base, and spent time in the outfield in Triple-A, too. Plus, Escarra’s journey from Uber driver to MLB has been rather awe-inspiring, and even that intrigues teams.

Escarra’s flexibility could be a selling point for a team like the San Diego Padres. They are already after two key but affordable players in the market. Plus, if the Yankees pair him with someone like Trent Grisham or a prospect arm such as Bryce Cunningham, then even better. Now, Cease is also on the Astros’ wish list; the Yankees need to act quickly.

Manny Machado blocks out Padres trade noise

Some names are always mentioned when it comes to trades. One such name is the Padres’ Manny Machado. He is no stranger to rumors and has been through this cycle before, but he is not flinching. This season, the Padres are at the thick of the playoff race, and Machado is locked in and focused on what matters most—the guys in the locker room.

Machado told Fox 5 San Diego, “In the past, it would probably be a little bit different, and you would worry about it. I think we have such a special group of kids, or men, in our clubhouse. I mean, it’s special, man. We know that something is going to happen because it always does. Whoever comes in is going to fit right in, and with the group that we have, we are going to do something special this year.”

The belief came alive when, on Monday, the Padres showed exactly what’s so special this season. They had a tight showdown against the Mets. Despite all the rumors, the team is looking great on the field, and Machado’s confidence is rooted in the chemistry he sees in the fact that everything is clicking.

Now they are 59-49 and just four games behind the Dodgers in the NL West. The Padres are not prepping for a teardown for sure. Now, while the reports do suggest that the Padres are listening to offers about Cease, their interest also appears to be in adding an outfielder like Jarren Duran or Ramón Laureano to complement the core. Machado, meanwhile, is at .302 with 19 home runs and 66 RBIs. And his message is simple—the Padres are open to moves but are not desperate.