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Why Padres should target .901 OPS 'cheat code' from Rays

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Why Padres should target .901 OPS 'cheat code' from Rays originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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As one of the National League's top contenders, the San Diego Padres are in a position to make significant moves at this year's trade deadline. 

The Padres have some power on the roster (Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill), but they finished 28th in the Majors in home runs in 2025. 

The trade deadline is months away, and San Diego is in no position to make a game-changing deal now, but it's never too early for president of baseball operations A.J. Preller to consider the club's needs. 

On Wednesday, Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer tabbed the Padres as a potential landing spot for a Silver Slugger corner infielder from the Tampa Bay Rays. 

Padres could target 'cheat code' from Rays 

"If anything, it's a surprise that Yandy Díaz is still fair game for discussion as a Rays trade candidate,' Rymer wrote. "His name has appeared in a bunch of rumors in recent years. That is sure to continue if the Rays don't make a surprise playoff run." 

Diaz, 34, hit a career high 25 home runs last season and could add some thump to San Diego's lineup. But there's a specific reason that Rymer believes the Padres are one of three suitable fits for the one-time All-Star. 

"Díaz is perfectly playable as an everyday first baseman or DH, though the ultimate cheat code would be a contender landing him and using him as a platoon hitter. He has a career .901 OPS against lefties." 

The Padres have Ty France and Gavin Sheets at first base, but Diaz would be a clear upgrade. 

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