MLB Trade Deadline: 3 Padres players likely to be traded by July 30

It's no secret that pitching has been an Achilles heel for the San Diego Padres this season. While the NL West club ranks first in the entire MLB in the hits category, spotty pitching has kept a postseason berth just out of reach.

Now one game out of the third and final NL Wild Card spot, GM AJ Preller has some big decisions ahead of him. The most likely scenario is that some of the excess hitting capabilities are shredded for a starter. When it comes to overall league ERA rankings, the Padres sit in the league's 20th spot.

Today, we will be examining some possible trade pieces that the Padres could soon move. To strengthen the rotation, these players could soon be shown the door.

Three San Diego Padres Trade Deadline Pieces

3. Luis Campusano

Although 25 year-old Luis Campusano likely has a successful career ahead of him, it is unlikely to come as a member of the San Diego Padres. A .230 hitter with just five home runs, it is clear that Campusano ranks second to Kyle Higashioka when it comes to backstop pecking order.

"This is the Ha Seong Kim we know" - Padres Nation

A former second rounder, Campusano is sure to entice clubs looking to offload pitchers for young talent. Already, teams like the Chicago White Sox or Miami Marlins spring to mind as possible destinations.

2. Tyler Wade

Tyler Wade has played an important role for San Diego Padres manager Mike Schildt this season. While the 29 year-old has appeared at most positions, the has played third base most while filling in for Manny Machado.

"Tyler Wade = Mr. Clutch" - Padres Nation

Now that the $300 million third baseman is back in action, reasons to keep Wade around appear few and far between. Currently, under a one-year, $850,000 deal, Wade's seven years of MLB experience do more than his .232 average does to entice possible buyers.

However, even swapping Wade for a middle-relief bullpen arm could do wonders to help prepare the Padres' pitching corps for a postseason run.

1. Ha-Seong Kim

Korean utility man Ha-Seong Kim's play around the infield in 2023 was enough for him to earn a Gold Glove. However, now that shortstop Xander Bogaerts is returning to the lineup, Mike Schildt has some shuffling to do.

In spring training, Schildt moved Bogaerts to second base to keep Kim at shortstop. However, the Padres need pitching, and Kim is likely the most valuable bat that the team can afford to lose. A .226/.326/.376 hitter with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs this season, Kim is a player that a lot of teams would like to have.

If starting pitching can be part of the return deal, then trading the former Gold Glover makes too much sense to pass up.