The San Diego Padres' offense has been one of the team's biggest weaknesses throughout the 2026 MLB season. Through 59 games, they rank 30th in hits (418), 30th in runs scored (229), 30th in RBIs (222), 30th in batting average (.218) and 29th in OPS (.656).
Despite that, the Padres are still 32-27, second in the National League West and half a game ahead of a wild card spot under first-year manager Craig Stammen. With expectations of making a postseason appearance, San Diego is once again viewed as a potential buyer at the trade deadline.
A.J. Preller has gained a reputation as one of MLB's most aggressive general managers. CBS Sports' Mike Axisa writes that the Padres would be an ideal landing spot for Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers.
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"The Padres are an obvious fit for Jeffers given their need behind the plate and their need for offense in general," Axisa wrote.
Before landing on the 10-day IL with an expected return in July, per MLB.com, he was one of the Twins' most consistent hitters. He's appeared in 37 games this year, 30 of which he was the starting catcher.
The 29-year-old has been extremely effective when healthy, accumulating 122 at-bats, 36 hits, 26 runs scored, seven home runs, 26 RBIs and 23 bases on balls. Jeffers has also slashed .295/.408/.541 with a .949 OPS.
Jeffers would be a clear offensive upgrade for the Padres. This season, they have relied on three catchers. That includes Freddy Fermin (.403 OPS), Luis Campusano (.958 OPS) and Rodolfo Duran (.467 OPS). Campusano, the most productive, has been sidelined, suffering a fractured left toe on May 5.
It wouldn't be a major financial obligation to bring the Twins catcher on, either. Jeffers is under a one-year, $6.7 million contract and is set to hit free agency after the season. With the trade deadline set for Aug. 3, San Diego could use the seventh-year veteran to address a glaring need.
