Padres Target Jarren Duran, Steven Kwan, and Mason Miller

The San Diego Padres are making major moves as the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches. They want to reshape their roster and keep their postseason hopes alive.

Under A.J. Preller, the team is aggressively targeting several valuable players. Outfielders Jarren Duran and Steven Kwan, along with Oakland Athletics closer Mason Miller, are on their radar.

The Padres are ready to make bold trades, even if it means dealing top prospects. They hope to boost their talent pool and keep some financial flexibility.

So, what’s the Padres’ real strategy at the deadline? Let’s break it down.

The Padres’ Pursuit of Immediate Upgrades

The Padres aren’t hesitating to chase impactful reinforcements. Jarren Duran and Steven Kwan sit at the top of their wish list, offering affordability and long-term team control.

Mason Miller, Oakland’s hard-throwing closer, is another big target. His potential to shift into a starting pitching role makes him even more appealing for a team looking to squeeze every bit of value from its roster.

What Makes Jarren Duran and Steven Kwan Ideal Targets?

Duran and Kwan both have a reputation for steady production, speed, and strong defense. The Padres want to solidify their outfield without ballooning their payroll, and these two fit the bill.

With manageable contracts and years of team control left, either player could give San Diego’s lineup a real jolt now and down the road.

• Jarren Duran: He brings speed and energy to the top of the lineup. That kind of spark can change an entire offense.
• Steven Kwan: He’s a high-contact hitter who knows how to get on base and plays excellent outfield defense.

Mason Miller: The Hidden Gem in the Trade Market

Mason Miller might be the most intriguing name on the Padres’ list. At 26, he leads the majors in average fastball velocity, and that kind of heat is gold in today’s game.

Miller is under club control for four more years, which keeps him affordable and versatile. If he develops as hoped, he could shift from dominant closer to a real force as a starter. That’s a transition the Padres seem to value highly.

Why the Padres Are Enticing Trade Partners

San Diego has the kind of trade chips that could actually land Miller. Top shortstop prospect Leo De Vries and elite catching prospect Ethan Salas both draw attention around the league.

Preller might consider trading one of them, but it depends on just how desperate the Padres are to make a playoff push. Giving up future stars would say a lot about how much they believe in Miller’s impact, both now and later.

Navigating Financial Constraints

Money matters here, too. Even with three All-Star relievers, including closer Robert Suarez, the Padres are thinking about moving Suarez to lighten their financial load.

Suarez’s $10 million salary and opt-out clause could make trading him the logical move. That would free up resources for new additions.

Could Dylan Cease Be on the Move?

Dylan Cease is another name that might come up. He’s heading for free agency and holds real trade value.

Moving Cease could ease some financial stress and bring back assets that fit the Padres’ long-term vision. Preller faces a tough call, though—trading Cease might hurt the team’s playoff shot this year. Is it worth the risk?

Balancing the Present and Future

The Padres’ trade deadline strategy says a lot about a team stuck between chasing wins now and worrying about the future. If they bring in players like Duran, Kwan, or Miller, they’ll patch up current roster holes and still keep some wiggle room for payroll and roster moves.

But there’s a catch—Preller might have to part with some of the team’s top prospects. He seems ready to take that gamble, even if it stings a bit.

With the deadline creeping up, everyone’s watching San Diego. Will the Padres actually pull off this bold plan? Preller’s known for thinking outside the box, and honestly, his next move could shape the team’s future way beyond just 2025.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Padres, still pursuing Jarren Duran and Steven Kwan, also pushing for Mason Miller: Sources