The San Diego Padres are attempting to make a few last-minute trades to prepare their squad for the postseason at the trade deadline because they properly believe they have a shot to contend for the World Series this season.

Another big bat in the lineup would undoubtedly help the Padres, who have a few needs or wants at the deadline. According to MLB insider Héctor Gómez, they are now attempting to reach an agreement for Atlanta Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna, and negotiations are intensifying.

 

Gómez wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that “SOURCE: Trade talks between Padres and Braves have intensified.” Marcell Ozuna is someone the Padres are really interested in signing. The Padres’ No. 18 prospect RHP Francis Peña and No. 21 prospect RHP Ryan Bergert will be traded to the Braves, the source said.

As a team that has had a very terrible season and is currently out of the playoff picture, the Braves may be seeking to let go of Ozuna. They are currently only 44-56, 10.5 games behind the final wild card spot, and 13.5 games out of first place in the NL East.

Atlanta needs to make some difficult choices because it is expected to be a seller at the trade deadline, but there is still time to save it.

Even if Ozuna isn’t playing at his best right now, it might help him to move down the lineup a little in a loaded lineup like San Diego’s so he can bat with more runners on base. He is only hitting.235 with 13 home runs and 42 RBIs in 92 games this season.

The Padres are currently four games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers at the top of the NL West with a 55-46 record. San Diego will still be preparing for the postseason, though, since it is still clinging to a wild card place. It will be even more challenging for opposing pitchers in September and October if a talent like Ozuna is added to the order.