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Padres trade deadline shopping list: catching upgrade?
Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/7/22/24472768/padres-trade-deadline-shopping-list-catching-upgrade
Atlanta Braves Sean Murphy | Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images
A.J. Preller has a long shopping list
It is a tradition like no other, sifting through the endless amount of trade rumors and determining which are true before the July 31 deadline. The San Diego Padres are not looking to make one big move. Instead, you can expect Padres President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller to make two or three trades before the deadline.
Is a new catcher on the horizon
Several media outlets have reported that Preller has made upgrading the catching position a top priority. He has put tons of pressure on himself to acquire the right catcher that puts them over the top in securing a postseason berth.
The Friars have not been linked to any specific catcher. However, the front office has done its due diligence and assessed the current landscape of the trade market. Both Elias Diaz and Martin Maldonado have regressed significantly at the plate, and the holes in their swings have made them a liability in the lineup. Preller is looking for a catcher who can do damage from the bottom of the order.
Braves Sean Murphy could be a trade option
Atlanta Braves Sean Murphy could become available with the emergence of Drake Baldwin this season. Injuries and inconsistent play have forced the Braves to consider retooling their roster. The Padres could make a couple of low-level prospects available, as moving Murphy will provide more playing time for Baldwin.
The Friars are looking for a hitter who makes good decisions in the batter’s box and capitalizes on pitchers’ mistakes. Murphy is a proven power hitter and would be a significant upgrade over the Padres’ current options behind the dish. This season, he is batting .243 with 16 HR and 38 RBI in 63 games.
How long for the new catcher to get acclimated?
The biggest fear is the potential adjustment needed with having a new backstop behind the plate. It will take some time for the pitching staff to get acclimated with throwing to a different target. Often, new catchers are playing catch-up in getting to know each arm on the staff. Miscommunication with calling pitch location will result in an increase in passed balls allowed.
Adding offense to the lineup cannot come at the expense of the defense. Murphy is an outstanding defensive catcher. It should not take him long to acclimate to his new surroundings.
The National League wildcard race is wide open, as the Friars control their destiny. However, they need a deeper lineup, and adding a good-hitting catcher will solve their bottom-of-the-order run production issues.
But at what price is Preller willing to solve this problem is unknown. He cannot deny the fact that acquiring a more permanent solution will end the mixing and matching that has failed this season.
It is up to Preller to settle on a reasonable price to upgrade the catching position.
Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/7/22/24472768/padres-trade-deadline-shopping-list-catching-upgrade