The Padres, and specifically A.J. Preller\u2019s approach to making big-time trades, are highly regarded throughout MLB. His drive and ambition to do whatever it takes to get the player he wants are admirable, but there are times when it would\u2019ve been safer to hold back.<\/p>\n
The 2025 trade deadline is a prime example<\/a> of the drive exhibited by the man in charge of it all, as he facilitated three trades that landed four players in exchange for 13 prospects.<\/p>\n In an effort to contend, the Padres acquired Mason Miller, Ryan O\u2019Hearn, Ram\u00f3n Laureano, and Freddy Fermin<\/a>. The team made the playoffs, but was bounced in the Wild Card round by the Chicago Cubs.<\/p>\n The team was also unable to make many flashy signings due to payroll constraints, meaning they would either have to rely on young talent that wasn\u2019t ready yet or make cheap signings to fill holes.<\/p>\n Padres dead last farm system ranking exposes a bleak cost of going all-in<\/p>\n The biggest wake-up call of all, however, was when Kiley McDaniel of ESPN released<\/a> an article that ranked every team\u2019s farm system.<\/p>\n Is it a surprise that the Padres rank low? Not at all, but we\u2019re sure fans are confused why they rank dead last.<\/p>\n