Padres split a July 2 doubleheader with the Phillies after Xander Bogaerts' clutch double. As the team battles, trade rumors swirl of a major acquisition.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
One step back, one step forward. That was the story for the San Diego Padres in a whirlwind Wednesday doubleheader against the Phillies. But the real story might be the massive leap the front office is preparing to take. As the team fought to a split, keeping them at 46-40 on the season, whispers turned into roars with reports that General Manager A.J. Preller is in deep discussions to acquire a $65 million All-Star slugger to supercharge the lineup for a deep playoff run.
San Diego is reportedly in discussions to acquire a $65 million All-Star and Silver Slugger winner to bolster their lineup.
The day started with a frustrating thud. In Game 1, the offense went silent, mustering just four hits in a 4-0 loss as Phillies starter Mick Abel dominated. The game marked the 2025 debut for knuckleballer Matt Waldron, who looked solid in his return from an oblique injury, allowing three runs over five innings. But the bats just couldn't back him up. Game 2 was a different story, a testament to the team's resilience. Down 3-2 in the seventh, Xander Bogaerts delivered the clutch hit of the day, a go-ahead two-run double that electrified the dugout. Dylan Cease battled through six innings, and Robert Suarez slammed the door for his 22nd save in a 5-3 victory, proving this team can still win gritty, tough ballgames.
The Game 1 shutout was a stark reminder of what this team can sometimes lack: consistent, top-tier offensive firepower. That's why the blockbuster trade rumor feels so timely. While the target's name remains under wraps, the description—an All-Star, a Silver Slugger winner, a $65 million contract—paints a picture of a game-changing bat. Adding a player of that caliber to a lineup that already includes Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado could be the final piece of the puzzle. It's a classic A.J. Preller move: identify a need and go acquire the biggest, best solution possible.
To make room for Waldron's return, the Padres made a series of moves. The right-handed pitcher was officially recalled from Triple-A El Paso, with RHP Sean Reynolds being optioned to make room on the active roster. In a corresponding move to clear a 40-man roster spot, RHP Logan Gillaspie was designated for assignment after being reinstated from the 15-day IL. It's a tough break for Gillaspie, who posted a 2.57 ERA in three appearances, but a necessary shuffle to get a needed starting arm back in the rotation.
Even as the big league club focuses on a 'win now' mentality, the future remains a priority. Top prospect 'El Mutante' was officially named to the 2025 All-Star Futures Game, a huge honor and a sign that the farm system continues to produce elite talent. This pipeline is what allows Preller to be aggressive in the trade market. Meanwhile, fans were treated to social media clips of 'Air Jackson' Merrill and reminded to cast their final All-Star votes for Manny Machado, bridging the gap between the team's established veterans and its exciting young core.
Splitting a doubleheader is never the goal, but the Padres showed their fight and stayed afloat in the NL West race. Now, all eyes turn to the front office. With the trade deadline approaching, the rumors are only going to intensify. Will Preller pull the trigger on another franchise-altering deal? The next few weeks will define the Padres' 2025 season, and it feels like something big is just around the corner.
