2025 MLB TRADE: San Diego Padres Acquire League’s Most Electric Young Closer in Outstanding Trade with A’s, as Robert Suarez’s Future Uncertainty Looms
The San Diego Padres have made waves ahead of the 2025 playoff push, pulling off a blockbuster trade with the Oakland Athletics that brings the league’s most electric young closer to Petco Park. The move signals a bold shift in bullpen strategy, especially with veteran closer Robert Suarez’s future with the team up in the air.
A Bold Bullpen Upgrade
In a move that’s already sending shockwaves across the league, the Padres have acquired 23-year-old phenom Elijah Santos, the flame-throwing right-hander from Oakland who’s taken the MLB by storm this season. Santos, whose fastball regularly touches triple digits and who boasts a 1.84 ERA with 31 saves in 2025, instantly becomes a cornerstone of the Padres’ bullpen.
Padres GM A.J. Preller, known for his aggressive midseason moves, once again showed a willingness to trade top prospects to win now. In return, the A’s received a promising package centered around No. 3 Padres prospect OF Jackson Merrill, right-hander Victor Lizarraga, and a player to be named later.
Why the Padres Made the Move
San Diego’s bullpen has been a question mark this season. While the offense, led by Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, has kept the team in contention, late-inning stability has been a major issue.
Robert Suarez, who re-signed with the team in 2023 on a lucrative five-year deal, has had an up-and-down 2025. While his velocity remains elite, injuries and inconsistency have plagued his campaign, leading to speculation about his long-term role.
Sources close to the organization have suggested that Suarez may be dealing with lingering elbow discomfort and could potentially face offseason surgery. Though the team has yet to confirm, his status has undoubtedly factored into Preller’s urgency to solidify the closer role.
Meet Elijah Santos: The Next Great Closer
Elijah Santos is not just a statistical marvel — he’s a spectacle. Drafted by Oakland in 2021, Santos rapidly climbed the minor league ranks and debuted in late 2023. By 2024, he had already taken over the closer’s role, racking up strikeouts with a high-octane fastball and devastating slider.
In 2025, Santos leads the American League in saves and strikeout rate among relievers, and he’s held opponents to a microscopic .168 batting average. His arrival in San Diego gives manager Mike Shildt a lockdown ninth-inning option — something the team has lacked since Kirby Yates’ 2019 All-Star season.
What This Means for Robert Suarez
The future of Robert Suarez is suddenly murkier. With the acquisition of Santos, the Padres may be preparing for a scenario in which Suarez either transitions into a setup role or misses extended time.
Still, the organization has emphasized its commitment to Suarez, who has been a clubhouse leader and fan favorite since his breakout 2022 season. It’s possible the team envisions a formidable late-inning duo — a luxury most contenders would envy — but health and performance will ultimately dictate that outcome.
A’s Continue Rebuild, but Get Quality Return
For Oakland, this trade is yet another sign that their rebuild is in full swing — but unlike past fire sales, this return could help shape their future core. Jackson Merrill, one of the most polished hitters in the minors, has been on scouts’ radars since being drafted in 2021. He projects as a potential everyday outfielder with 20/20 upside.
Victor Lizarraga, meanwhile, is a high-floor pitcher with mid-rotation potential. With a clean delivery and advanced command for his age, he could be MLB-ready as soon as 2026.
Final Thoughts: A Win-Now Statement by the Padres
This trade is a clear statement: the Padres are all in. With one of the most talented rosters in the National League and a competitive NL West race heating up, acquiring Santos could be the edge they need to separate themselves.
If Santos performs as expected and the Padres make a deep October run, this deal could go down as one of the most impactful trades of the 2025 season — especially if Suarez’s uncertainty turns into long-term absence.
For now, San Diego fans have every reason to be excited. Their bullpen just got a lot scarier — and their World Series hopes just got a lot more real.
Leave a Reply