Padres Reportedly Pursue Angels Outfielder Taylor Ward in Potential Trade

The San Diego Padres are actively seeking to bolster their left field position ahead of the MLB trade deadline, with multiple potential targets emerging. Among the primary candidates is Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward, who has shown strong power-hitting capabilities this season despite streaky performance and a low batting average; Ward remains under team control through 2026, making him an attractive acquisition. Another notable option is Miami Marlins left-handed slugger Jesus Sanchez, who brings multi-year team control through 2027 and has been performing solidly in 2025, fitting the Padres' need for a left-handed bat. The Padres' pursuit of these players reflects their urgency to fill the left field void created by departures and injuries, aiming to strengthen their lineup and compete more effectively in their division. Meanwhile, the Padres continue to struggle against rivals like the Los Angeles Dodgers, who recently secured a series sweep highlighted by Will Smith setting a franchise pinch-hit home run record against San Diego. These roster moves and on-field challenges underscore the Padres' critical need for impactful acquisitions to improve their competitiveness in the 2025 season.