The San Diego Padres have exceeded expectations this season, starting strong with a 31-23 record and sitting just two games behind the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. This impressive run comes despite a quiet offseason that saw several key players depart. Their most notable move was signing starter Nick Pivetta to a four-year, $55 million contract in February.
Still, the Padres have built on last year’s momentum and look like legitimate contenders. But there’s a clear gap in left field. After All-Star Jurickson Profar signed a $42 million deal with the Atlanta Braves—only to be suspended for violating MLB’s substance policy—San Diego failed to adequately replace him. Veteran Jason Heyward and Connor Joe were brought in, but Joe has since been traded to the Reds, and Heyward has struggled, hitting just .176 and spending time on the injured list.
As a result, the Padres are actively exploring trade options, and Sports Illustrated’s Jason Fray has linked them to Baltimore Orioles outfielder Tyler O’Neill. Fray praised O’Neill’s athleticism, strong arm, and power, noting he could be a real difference-maker.
Though currently rehabbing a shoulder injury, O’Neill began the season hot before slumping to a .188 average with two home runs and a .605 OPS. Still, he hit over 30 home runs in 2023 with Boston and posted an .847 OPS. A two-time Gold Glove winner, O’Neill could be the perfect solution to the Padres’ left-field woes. He signed a three-year, $49.5 million deal this past offseason but has a player opt-out after this year.
Fray argues O’Neill is a low-risk, high-reward target: if he excels, he’ll likely opt out, freeing up money. If not, San Diego gets him for two more years at a reasonable cost during his prime. With the Orioles floundering at 19-36, they could be motivated sellers at the trade deadline.
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