The Padres entered play Tuesday with a 3.60 team ERA -- the best mark in the National League. They’ve managed it, somehow, despite a revolving door at the back of their starting rotation. Yu Darvish missed the first 3 1/2 months.

The Cleveland Guardians may look to cut ties with their star outfielder, Steven Kwan, ahead of the trade deadline, and the San Diego Padres are the perfect fit.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal pegged the San Diego Padres as a team who could dislodge an All-Star closer from an AL team.

On the other, it's clear that San Diego is a cut below the NL's best right now, 3.5 games back of the hated Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. With Dylan Cease, Michael King and more key players set to hit free agency this winter,

The San Diego Padres have been closely linked to a blockbuster trade for Boston Red Sox star outfielder Jarren Duran for the last few weeks.

The Cleveland Guardians and San Diego Padres have been linked to a major trade ahead of the MLB trade deadline.

The Padres have multiple needs and a thinner farm system than a year ago, which might mean they have to settle for another rental or two.

While the Padres have the best combined bullpen ERA in baseball at 3.15, the idea of any of those teams plucking Duran (or Jax) should compel them into a pursuit. San Diego has largely succeeded so far because of that bullpen, and allowing competitors to narrow the gap does not bode well for their October hopes.

Typically, the MLB trade deadline is a time when teams decide whether to be buyers or sellers as they either prepare for the postseason or look to the future.