Padres GM Preller Executes Five Trades, Spurs Roster Shakeup at MLB Deadline

San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller was a central figure at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, making five trades involving 22 players, including a blockbuster deal that sent top prospect Leo De Vries to the Athletics in exchange for relievers Mason Miller and JP Sears. Despite being a buyer aiming to improve the team's championship chances, Preller frustrated other executives by auctioning off De Vries to the highest bidder and keeping multiple teams engaged simultaneously. This aggressive and unconventional approach to trading has become characteristic of Preller, who frequently leverages top prospects to acquire established major league talent, even when the Padres' farm system is considered weak overall. The acquisition of Miller, known for his exceptional fastball velocity, is seen as a key addition to the Padres' bullpen, with potential plans to convert him into a starting pitcher. The Padres' moves have paid off as they have improved their standing in the division, closing the gap with the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers. Overall, Preller's bold trade deadline strategy has been both praised for its effectiveness and criticized for its complexity and difficulty for other teams to navigate.