The 2025 MLB trade deadline is heating up, and the San Diego Padres are making everyone sit up and take notice. They are not hiding it anymore—they want to win now. The front office seems to be focused on fixing one of the weakest links of the roster. As whispers swirl louder about the Atlanta Braves’ $65 million designated hitter, a star whose power once lit up ballparks, the Padres are quietly positioning themselves as serious contenders ready to pounce.

Even though they have big names on the lineup card, the DH role has been extremely lukewarm. We are talking about a wRC+ of 82, and for context, that ranks 28th in Major League Baseball. So, for a team that has World Series ambitions, this performance doesn’t cut it. And apparently, there is a very real chance that the Padres might make a splash by this deadline to fix the issue. And that’s when things get interesting. The name they seem to be eyeing is none other than Marcell Ozuna.

ESPN’s Buster Olney drew a clear picture, reporting that “at least one team has had internal conversations” about making a move for the Braves veteran Ozuna. And he thinks that San Diego could be serious about this trade move. Olney had mentioned earlier that, “San Diego has some of baseball’s worst DH production this year…. and presumably, the prospect-strapped Padres wouldn’t have to give up much to get him.” The last section matters, and it tracks.

See, Marcell Ozuna is not just available; he is affordable. He is on an expiring deal, which makes him a rental. And with the Braves leaning more towards being a selling team, it seems like now is the perfect time to strike. Now let’s not get it twisted; Ozuna’s 2025 numbers aren’t eye-turning, but he is still a power threat. He is slashing .233 AVG, 14 HR, and 44 RBI, but he is also the same guy who has posted back-to-back OPS seasons over .900 in 2023 and 2024.

So, the $65 million Braves veteran is not washed; he just might need that right fit. And the Padres have been in the market for a corner outfielder, but if they put Gavin Sheets to the left, then Ozuna could come as a full-time DH. That could give the lineup some serious muscle, and it’s what they need. At 34 years old, he isn’t a long-term piece, but that’s the point, right? He could be a short-term solution for San Diego to surge through the second half now.

Padres eye Marlins to strengthen bullpen 

The Padres already have one of the best bullpens in baseball now. However, with the trade deadline closing, they are not standing pat. According to the reports, they have their eyes on the Miami Marlins right-hander Anthony Bender. And if that’s true, then this could be the move that bolsters their postseason push. Ken Rosenthal also reported that the Marlins are willing to move Bender. He is earning $1.42 million and is also under team control through arbitration for the next two seasons. Hence, it’s no surprise that the Padres are showing immense interest.

San Diego’s late-inning crew of Jeremiah Estrada, Jason Adam, and Adam Morejon has been solid for sure. Plus, Robert Suarez is locking things down in the ninth. However, Suarez has an opt-out clause after this season. There is a chance that he will test free agency for a longer deal. Hence, that opens the avenues for someone like Bender to step in and take a bigger role later down the line.

See, Bender isn’t overpowering the hitters this season for sure. His strikeout rate has also decreased to 19.9%, but his 1.83 ERA shows that he is still getting the job done. His fastball is at 96.6 mph, and his ground ball is at 50.4%. So he is reliable when the time comes. Now, even if Suarez remains pit, Bender’s addition to the team would only make the bullpen deeper and more dangerous. He is a low-cost, high-upside addition for sure.

Seems like the Padres are sorted and have eyes on low-cost, maximum-impact pieces for this trade deadline. Don’t you think so?