BREAKING: Padres Complete Blockbuster Trade – New Star Arrives in San Diego! Fans freaking out after front office rocks MLB with statement midseason move In an MLB-stunning move, the San Diego Padres have made one of the biggest moves of the season, trading for All-Star slugger Shohei Ohtani (LAD) in a shocking, win-now maneuver that clearly says one thing: the Padres are not messing around. The blockbuster deal, which was completed late last night, sends the MVP-caliber star from the Dodgers to the Padres, who are sending back a package headlined by top prospects as well as some vet-friendly arm and future draft considerations.
The expense was great, but the reward might be historic. “This is a market-defining deal,” Padres GM A. J. Preller said. We feel that Shohei Ohtani (LAD) brings the kind of firepower, leadership and playoff seasoning that can take us to the next level. Eager fans started arriving at Petco Park at 5 a.m. Wednesday, some claiming to have called in sick to work, just so they could see the team’s biggest star in town. You can’t ask for better timing.
The Padres are in the thick of a playoff chase, trailing the division-leading Dodgers by only a handful of games. With a lineup that is already brimming with talent, including Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto and Manny Machado, the addition of Star makes San Diego an instant contender for the title — and perhaps the team to beat in the National League. “We have been waiting for this kind of move,” said one fan outside Petco.
“This feels like the year. World Series or bust!” People within the organization tell me star could debut for the Padres as early as this weekend. So stick around — we’re just getting started on this one.
