It looks like the San Diego Padres convinced general manager A.J. Preller to become buyers, as the team has reportedly traded for San Francisco Giants lefty Robbie Ray.
After weeks of wondering what the San Diego Padres would do at the trade deadline, it seems like we have our answer.
According to Lin, the Giants will retain half the money owed to Ray which includes half of the $1 million assignment bonus.
Despite having a rough stretch in the first half that sent the Padres spiraling out of the National League West division race and out of a playoff spot altogether, rumors of San Diego selling at the deadline swirled.
However, general manager and president of baseball operations A.J. Preller wanted to be buyers instead of selling off pieces like star relievers Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon, but he needed a reason to do so. Morejon could still be dealt, especially if Preller wants more starting pitching, but the belief is that Miller being moved is unlikely as of now.
Playing good baseball out of the All-Star break, going 10-6 to bring themselves within one game of the final NL wild card spot. Preller needed to address the starting rotation if they were going to go for it, and he brings in a solid rental.
Ray is 10-6, picking up his final win as a Giant against the Padres on July 30, with a 3.08 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 107 strikeouts to 57 walks through 22 games (21 starts, 122.2 innings).
The 34-year-old is a two-time All-Star and won the American League Cy Young as a member of the Seattle Mariners in 2021, leading Major League Baseball in strikeouts (248) and the AL in ERA (2.84), starts (32), innings pitched (193.1) and WAR (6.9).
San Diego paid a steep price to get him, though, parting ways with their No. 4 and No. 9 ranked prospects, respectively. Mendez, 24, was highly valued within the Padres organization for good reason.
He broke out in 2025 after struggling to get promoted for four seasons, putting up a 3.22 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over 21 starts (95 innings). Mendez has an explosive fastball-slider combination that makes right-handed hitters look silly, but he has struggled with command for much of his career.
Hernandez, 17, was the top international signing of the 2026 class for the Padres and he has tore up rookie ball, slashing .303/.424/.503 (.927 OPS) with 21 extra-base hits and 43 RBI in 41 games. He has more walks (32) than strikeouts (31) and has a ton of speed to go with some sneaky pop.
