Coming into trade season, it was unclear whether the San Diego Padres would be buyers or sellers, but their first move on Trade Deadline day shows where they stand.
The San Diego Padres have acquired left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray from the division rival San Francisco Giants.
The veteran pitcher is having another quality season for the Giants in his 12th year in the major leagues.
In 22 games (21 starts), The 34-year-old is posting a 3.08 ERA with 107 strikeouts, 57 walks and a 10-6 win-loss record across 122 2/3 innings.
Coming into Monday, the Padres have won eight of their last 10 games to push them one game back of a Wild Card Spot. With the consistent aggressiveness of the Padres' president of baseball operations and general manager, A.J. Preller, it makes sense why this stretch would make him want to buy.
However, this trade has some glaring concerns on the Padres end.
1. It may not be enough
The Padres are attempting to push themselves back into the narrative of being true contenders. It does not make much sense for the Padres to attack pitching when their main issue has been their lineup.
On the season, the Padres have the 24th worst OPS in baseball at .696. While their pitching staff is not great (4.14 ERA, 16th in baseball) they needed to focus on a bat if they were deciding to be buyers. They still have time, but they should not be wasting their resources on Ray.
2. Already a weak farm system
Speaking of wasting their resources, the Padres have the worst farm system in baseball per MLB.com. They sent some of their best prospects in the Mason Miller trade last season.
In the Robbie Ray trade, the Padres are sending their 3rd ranked prospect in right-handed pitcher Miguel Mendez and Joniel Hernandez to the Giants.
Their weak farm system is only getting weaker, for a rental pitcher.
3. Ray is a Rental
For all the reasons listed above, it all comes down to the fact that Robbie Ray is only guaranteed to be a Padre until September.
While the move may help them reach the postseason, he is not a long-term solution.
The Padres sit at 58-54 and third in a loaded National League West division. It is unlikely for them to go far this season, it would have been wise of them to sell this year and prepare for next season.
