Padres rumors: What San Diego wants next after Robbie Ray trade

The San Diego Padres don’t seem to be finished after acquiring left-handed starter Robbie Ray from their division rival, the San Francisco Giants. Just hours before the MLB trade deadline, the Padres are rumored to be looking at trading for St. Louis Cardinals left-handed hitters Alec Burleson and Lars Nootbar. Jon Heyman was first to inform fans of the rumors.

Padres are looking for a lefty bat. Burleson and Nootbar from Cards are among many potential targets

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 3, 2026

“Padres are looking for a lefty bat. Burleson and Nootbar from Cards are among many potential targets.”

The Padres do need another left-handed bat. Jackson Merrill is the only one producing from that side of the plate right now. Gavin Sheets is banged up and is in a slump, while Jake Cronenworth has yet to prove that he can be a reliable hitter. Three of the Padres’ top four hitters are from the right side of the plate.

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