Padres predicted to be potential landing spot for 31 HR All-Star slugger, would create superstar outfield duo with Fernando Tatis Jr.

Padres predicted to be potential landing spot for 31 HR All-Star slugger, would create superstar outfield duo with Fernando Tatis Jr. originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The San Diego Padres are off to a hot start to the season, with a record of 14-7 and second place in the NL West. However, the Padres were never able to complete their top two offseason goals of landing an ace and a star outfielder.

Luckily, they might be able to solve the latter this season. Sports Illustrated’s Patrick McAvoy predicts San Diego could be a top trade candidate for Washington Nationals All-Star James Wood, who’s off to another great year.

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“If the Washington Nationals want to supercharge their rebuild, flipping the 23-year-old may be their best bet. He had 31 homers in 2025 and was an All-Star for the first time throughout his young career in just his second season. In 2026, he already has five homers in 17 games played. The Nationals shouldn't trade Wood. But he will be someone to watch throughout the campaign if the Nationals flounder. Potential Landing Spots: New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, ,” McAvoy wrote.