The San Diego Padres are expected to closely evaluate their roster as the trade deadline approaches, searching for ways to strengthen a club that has cooled off after a strong start to the season.
San Diego has slipped back in the National League West standings, with inconsistent offensive production playing a major role in the team’s struggles. The Padres have been among the league’s least effective offenses at times, prompting the front office to explore options that could provide a spark.
One player who may warrant consideration is utilityman Tyler Fitzgerald, who was recently released by the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Given the Padres’ need for offensive depth, Fitzgerald could represent a low-risk addition with some upside.
Despite being squeezed out by the Dodgers’ deep roster, Fitzgerald performed well at the Triple-A level, batting .293 with six home runs, 22 RBIs, and a .998 OPS. His strong production could make him an attractive option for a team looking to improve its bench and organizational depth.
Fitzgerald also brings major-league experience from his time with the San Francisco Giants. In 2025, he appeared in 72 games, posting a .217 batting average with four home runs, 14 RBIs, and a .605 OPS. His 2024 campaign was considerably more productive, as he hit .280 with 15 home runs, 34 RBIs, and an .831 OPS.
In addition to his offensive potential, Fitzgerald offers valuable defensive flexibility. Throughout his career, he has logged innings at third base, second base, shortstop, left field, and right field. That versatility could make him a useful bench piece for San Diego and potentially provide an alternative to Jase Bowen, who has struggled since being called up.
While Fitzgerald would not be a headline-grabbing acquisition, his combination of Triple-A success, defensive versatility, and previous major-league production could make him a worthwhile depth target as the Padres look to strengthen their roster for the second half.
