The San Diego Padres got busy during this past trade deadline. They were one of the busiest teams at the deadline, acquiring players like elite closer Mason Miller from the Athletics, Freddy Fermin from the Royals, and Nestor Cortes in a trade with the Brewers.
However, it did not stop there. They were also involved in a big trade with the Orioles. San Diego sent Boston Bateman, Brandon Butterworth, Cobb Hightower, Victor Figueroa, Tyson Neighbors, and Tanner Smith to Baltimore in exchange for Ryan O'Hearn and Ramon Laureano.
Padres' general manager A.J. Preller wanted to make a splash at the deadline, and did just that. While he was able to get the deals he wanted done, he did have some backup options in place if the deal with the Orioles fell apart, via Sports Illustrated.
"But we also had plans B, C, and D lined up if the Orioles' bats, for example, just didn't get across the finish line. We had some other scenarios where we weren't going to get left without bats that we felt like we needed to really round out the roster," said Preller.
The additions of O'Hearn and Laureano have already been felt in the lineup. O'Hearn had played in nine games thus far, mashing a home run and three runs batted in. Laureano, on the other hand, has played in 10 games, hitting two triples, a home run, and eight runs batted in. These two have not only been a help with their bats, but also give manager Mike Shildt more options with his defensive alignment.