Padres Linked to All-Star Infielder, Surprise Mason Miller Decision, Nick Pivetta Trade Rumors

The latest San Diego Padres news includes an All-Star trade target, a change in closer usage, and a potential starting pitcher on the move.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:59pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a baseball game, with the sharp planes and vibrant colors of the Padres and Red Sox uniforms, conceptually representing the team's search for answers amid their early-season struggles.The Padres' search for solutions to their early-season woes takes on a cubist, fragmented perspective as they face the Red Sox.San Diego Today

The San Diego Padres have been linked to a potential blockbuster trade for an All-Star infielder ahead of the deadline, despite their slow 2-4 start to the season. The team also surprised observers by using closer Mason Miller in the eighth inning of a recent win, reversing an earlier decision. Additionally, right-handed pitcher Nick Pivetta has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate due to his upcoming opt-out clause, though the Padres are unlikely to move from their starting rotation.

Why it matters

The Padres' early-season struggles have led to speculation about potential roster moves, including a high-profile trade and changes to the bullpen usage. These developments could significantly impact the team's performance and direction as they look to turn their season around and compete in the NL West.

The details

The Padres' offense has been struggling, scoring more than three runs just once in their first six games. This has led to the team being linked to a potential blockbuster trade for an All-Star infielder ahead of the deadline. Additionally, manager Craig Stammen surprised observers by using closer Mason Miller in the eighth inning of a recent win, reversing an earlier decision not to use him in that role this early in the season. Finally, right-handed pitcher Nick Pivetta has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate due to his upcoming opt-out clause, though the Padres are unlikely to move from their starting rotation, which is the team's biggest weakness.

  • On April 3, 2026, the Padres had an off-day as they traveled to Boston to take on the Red Sox.
  • On April 2, 2026, the Padres defeated the Giants 7-1, with manager Craig Stammen deploying closer Mason Miller in the eighth inning.
  • Five days earlier, on March 28, 2026, Stammen had said that using Miller in the eighth inning would not be an option this early in the season.

The players

Craig Stammen

The manager of the San Diego Padres, who made the decision to use closer Mason Miller in the eighth inning of a recent game, reversing an earlier statement.

Mason Miller

The Padres' closer, who was used in the eighth inning of a recent game, a change from the team's earlier plans.

Nick Pivetta

A right-handed pitcher for the San Diego Padres who has an opt-out clause at the end of this season, making him a potential trade candidate.

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What they’re saying

“We kind of needed a win. It's important to get a win. When we can get a win, we've got to get one. Having the appropriate time off after a one-plus [inning outing] is what we were looking for.”

— Craig Stammen, Manager

“At this point in the season, with all the off-days in April, it made a little bit more sense today.”

— Craig Stammen, Manager

What’s next

The Padres will continue their three-game series against the Red Sox in Boston, looking to improve on their 2-4 start to the season.

The takeaway

The Padres' early-season struggles have led to speculation about potential roster moves, including a high-profile trade and changes to the bullpen usage. These developments could significantly impact the team's performance and direction as they look to turn their season around and compete in the NL West.