CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa recently predicted that the San Diego Padres and Baltimore Orioles would make a major trade to send Zach Eflin and Cedric Mullins to San Diego before the trade deadline this season. “Who will the Padres deal to get Eflin and Mullins to help with their rotation and outfield needs? I have no earthly notion. Top prospects Leo De Vries and Ethan Salas are obviously out, but how about a combo of second-tier talents Boston Bateman, Humberto Cruz, and Kash Mayfield? “I am not sure,” Axisa wrote. “I only know the Orioles are likely to sell their older rentals, namely Eflin and Mullins, and to never count out Padres GM A.J. Preller making a significant trade.
“A interesting question is whether Preller will try to broaden our confidently forecasted trade by including closer Félix Bautista. He paid a lot for Jason Adam and Tanner Scott at last year’s deadline. Who’s to say he won’t do it again for Bautista this season?” This trade idea appears to make sense for both parties. Given their struggles this season, the Orioles will most certainly attempt to cut relations with all of their rental players. Eflin and Mullins will both become free agents at the end of the year, making them ideal trade candidates. The Padres must find an outfielder to address the big vacuum in left field. Mullins is hardly a superstar.
However, he outperforms the variety of players the Padres have tried. Eflin hasn’t pitched outstanding this season, but he’d provide the Padres another depth option in the rotation. A deal like this would most likely not cost the Padres much money. They could give up a few good prospects but none of their best players to acquire the two struggling Baltimore stars.
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