The San Diego Padres have a Micahel King update, a Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star almost joined the Padres, and Dylan Cease has trade rumors from a top insider.

The San Diego Padres entered the weekend with a 4-6 record in their last 10 games, but they still have one of the best records in the National League. With the MLB trade deadline just over a month out, San Diego is reportedly willing to be aggressive to upgrade one key spot in its lineup.

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The San Diego Padres are considered buyers as they are currently in a Wild Card spot and two games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In their last four series, they are 8-4 with wins against the Braves, Mariners, and Padres. Their playoff odds on FanGraphs have gone from 25% to 37% in their last home stand. They still have four teams ahead of them, but they're one strong run away from being right in the thick of the race.

Only two games separate first place from third in the National League West, and the division could turn into an arms race at the trade deadline.

The Padres need a bat. This trade season, that’s the bare minimum. They could use more starting-pitching depth. They could use another reliever. They could use a catcher. But they need a bat. (At least one.

Writing for the Athletic, former MLB general manager Jim Bowden identified second and third base as the team's priorities ahead of the trade deadline, and believes Arraez would make a positive impact at the plate and as an infielder.