In a dramatic episode that almost altered the course of Major League Baseball, the San Diego Padres came very close to acquiring Shohei Ohtani ahead of the 2022 trade deadline. While the Padres gained widespread attention for securing superstar Juan Soto in a blockbuster trade, behind the scenes, intense negotiations were unfolding around bringing Ohtani, the league’s rare two-way star, to San Diego.

Major Moves and Ambitious Trades Under A.J. Preller

General Manager A.J. Preller engineered the Padres’ bold acquisition of Juan Soto by trading top prospects James Wood, MacKenzie Gore, and C.J. Abrams to the Washington Nationals. This transaction underscored the Padres’ determination to contend at the highest level. However, parallel discussions involving Ohtani, who excels both as an elite pitcher and a dynamic hitter, presented a once-in-a-generation chance to redefine the team’s identity.

Reflecting on this unique period, Preller commented,

“It was a super unique time. I think, again, it’s a testament to our organization that we at least had the ability to have those conversations.”

—A.J. Preller, General Manager, San Diego Padres

Negotiations with the Los Angeles Angels and Trade Possibilities

As the deadline approached, the Padres were among a handful of teams seriously pursuing Ohtani from the Los Angeles Angels. Their offer reportedly included highly regarded prospects similar to those traded for Soto, making the Padres’ package one of the most attractive on the table. At one point, it appeared the deal was very close to materializing, but Angels owner Arte Moreno ultimately decided to keep Ohtani off the market, halting any potential trade.

This decision reshaped the Padres’ plans, removing what could have been a historic addition to their roster. The possibility of pairing Ohtani’s dual talents with the existing core had the potential to transform not only the Padres’ 2022 playoff outlook but also their long-term competitive position.

Imagining the Impact of Ohtani on the Padres’ Future

Had the Padres succeeded in acquiring Ohtani, questions about the team’s postseason prospects quickly arise. His unique ability to impact games both at the plate and on the mound would have offered a formidable advantage heading into the playoffs. Additionally, whether Ohtani would have remained with San Diego beyond 2022 or chosen another franchise, such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, remains an intriguing “what if.”

Beyond immediate competitive gains, having a generational talent like Ohtani might have attracted other elite international players, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, who may have been enticed to join a roster boasting such an extraordinary star. This cascade effect could have altered the balance of power within the league for years.

The Lasting Significance of the Near Miss

The Padres’ close encounter with acquiring Ohtani highlights the fragile nature of success in professional sports, where a single decision can create ripple effects throughout a franchise’s history. While the acquisition of Soto was itself a landmark move, the fleeting chance to add a once-in-a-lifetime player like Ohtani remains a defining memory for the organization.

Continuing efforts to construct a championship-caliber team will inevitably reflect on the choices made during that hectic trade period. The near-miss with Ohtani serves as both a reminder of the challenges in navigating the trade market and a testament to the Padres’ ambitious vision as they forge ahead in Major League Baseball’s evolving landscape.