San Diego Padres Rumors: 3 Early-Season Trade Candidates

Welcome to Baseball Rumors' Early-Season Trade Candidates series. During it, we will be looking at three players who are already emerging as trade candidates during the beginning portion of the campaign.

In this latest installment, we will be looking at the San Diego Padres.

Fernando Tatis Jr: There have been plenty of rumblings over the possibility of the Padres trading Fernando Tatis Jr. This comes after he was caught using performance-enhancing drugs and San Diego signed fellow superstar shortstop Xander Bogaerts. This is a storyline to pay attention to from here, as they could use Tatis Jr. to bring in another star talent at a position where they need more help.

Dylan Lesko: Dylan Lesko was the Padres' top pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, so he is naturally viewed as having plenty of potential. Yet, with the Padres looking to win a World Series ring now, they could look to move Lesko if it helps them acquire a star talent that will help them immediately.

Ethan Salas: Ethan Salas is another notable Padres prospect who has been picking up some steam in the rumor mill. He is viewed as a future starting catcher in the majors, but he will also need a few years in the minors before making the jump. Thus, with the Padres looking to win now, don't be surprised if they move the promising prospect.