3 trade deadline rumors Dodgers fans don’t want to hear right now

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 18: National League All-Stars Ian Happ #8 of the Chicago Cubs (L) and Jake Cronenworth #9 of the San Diego Padres during the 2022 Gatorade All-Star Workout Day at Dodger Stadium on July 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 18: National League All-Stars Ian Happ #8 of the Chicago Cubs (L) and Jake Cronenworth #9 of the San Diego Padres during the 2022 Gatorade All-Star Workout Day at Dodger Stadium on July 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Juan Soto, Los Angeles Dodgers
Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

1. Padres in on … Everybody?

Look, we know the Padres are still the little brother of the NL West … but when they’re in on Juan Soto, Shohei Ohtani, Luis Castillo, Frankie Montas, Ian Happ, Willson Contreras, and others, it gets a bit overwhelming. Plus, the Padres’ deep farm system will play a role in increasing the prices for various names out there, assuming they’re involved in similar talks as the Dodgers.

And they’re getting Fernando Tatis Jr. back very soon, which is essentially a blockbuster trade deadline addition.

There’s no denying San Diego is a contender. The concerning part for LA is that general manager AJ Preller knows the roster has ways to go, and he’s exercising every avenue to ensure the proper additions are made. That will take viable candidates away from the Dodgers and potentially cost them more in prospect capital should they out-bid the Pads (or if they remove themselves from certain talks amid negotiations).

Not to mention, the Dodgers and Padres will meet 12 more times this season, with every matchup coming post-deadline. That’s a lot! While LA has built a comfy 12-game lead in the NL West, the Pads won’t be making life any easier with marquee deadline acquisitions plus the return of Tatis.

Even more concerning is San Diego building an even better rotation than they currently have. They’re reportedly looking to bring in a better arm to replace Blake Snell in addition to some bullpen help, which would better prepare them for down the stretch and postseason.

Dodgers fans shouldn’t be “scared” — they’d just better hope Friedman takes care of the necessary business if the Padres go ballistic.