The San Diego Padres are eyeing Padres trade target Marcell Ozuna in an effort to boost their struggling offense, just as the team teeters on the edge of playoff contention before the MLB trade deadline. After recent losses have left them just half a game behind the St. Louis Cardinals in the Wild Card race, the Padres are actively seeking reinforcements to turn their season around.
Padres’ Designated Hitter Struggles Prompt Search for Upgrades
Suffering a midseason slump, the Padres now stand at a record of 45-39, confronting uncertainty within their lineup. Their designated hitter position has emerged as a persistent weak spot. Attempts to rotate stars like Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts into the DH slot for rest have not generated the offensive lift management hoped for. Currently, the Padres rank near the bottom of Major League Baseball when it comes to OPS for designated hitters, which has intensified the team’s interest in finding a proven power bat.
To address this shortfall, the Padres are reportedly pursuing a trade for Marcell Ozuna, currently an outfielder and designated hitter with the Atlanta Braves. Ozuna’s reputation as a potent slugger makes him an appealing target for San Diego as the trade deadline draws closer.
What Marcell Ozuna Could Bring to the San Diego Lineup
Ozuna, despite enduring a slump in June, remains statistically impressive among prospective Padres hitters. His on-base percentage would stand as the highest on the current Padres roster, and his experience could be crucial for a team lagging in overall run production. San Diego’s offense has struggled this season, sitting in the bottom third among National League clubs for runs scored, which heightens the urgency for a lineup upgrade.
This season, Ozuna has posted a .244 batting average with a .369 on-base percentage and a .392 slugging percentage, amounting to a .761 OPS. He has contributed 11 home runs and 40 RBIs so far, numbers that, while not record-shattering, indicate reliable power. Ozuna’s recent performance is also supported by the memory of last year, when he totaled 39 home runs and 104 RBIs—a reminder of the kind of impact he could deliver if he returns to form.
Reuniting with Mike Shildt Could Rekindle Ozuna’s Success
Another dimension to this potential move is the relationship between Marcell Ozuna and Padres manager Mike Shildt. During the 2018 and 2019 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, Ozuna found success under Shildt’s leadership. That familiarity may help Ozuna settle quickly if a trade materializes, as shared experiences with the manager could provide a supportive environment for the veteran player.
Atlanta Braves’ Situation Creates Trade Opportunity
On the Braves’ side, recent setbacks have put Atlanta in a challenging position of their own. As their postseason hopes fade, trading Ozuna has become a more plausible option. For Ozuna, a new environment with the Padres might allow him to move beyond his recent struggles in Atlanta and become a difference-maker again.
If the Padres secure a deal for Ozuna, they would have the chance to address a key lineup deficiency, potentially altering the trajectory of their playoff ambitions.
Implications as the MLB Trade Deadline Approaches
As the trade deadline nears, the next few weeks are critical for the Padres. Decisions made in this window could determine the fate of their season. Acquiring someone like Marcell Ozuna would not only fill a major gap at designated hitter, but it could also provide the offensive spark the Padres need as they chase a playoff spot. All eyes remain on the front office’s strategy as they attempt to strengthen the roster and shift the team’s fortunes.