The San Diego Padres are in dire need of an offensive boost, having struggled to score more than six runs in nearly a month. With the trade deadline looming and trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers by six games in the AL West, the Padres might need to consider a significant trade to reinvigorate their lineup.

One potential target could be Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran, who had a breakout season last year with a .834 OPS, 21 home runs, and 34 stolen bases. Despite a drop in performance this season, Duran remains a valuable asset, especially since he is under team control through 2028. The Red Sox, currently in the hunt for a Wild Card spot, may be hesitant to trade him unless they receive a substantial return.

Among teams interested in Duran are the Padres, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs, as analysis from The Athletic highlights his speed and defensive capabilities in center field. The Padres would need to offer a significant package if they wish to secure Duran's services, especially if they are serious about contending for a World Series in the next few years.

Today's MLB betting insights highlight promising matchups for several contact-heavy pitchers and hitters. Focus is placed on starting pitchers like Logan Evans (SEA) and Bryce Elder (ATL), both boasting over 90% zone contact rates, which creates opportunities for opposing hitters like Paul Goldschmidt (NYY) and Ceddanne Rafaela (BOS) who have recently excelled in making quality contact.

With a strategic parlay in mind, the proposed five-leg bet features players who've consistently demonstrated high hard-hit percentages, emphasizing the potential for fruitful performance at the plate. As always, bet smart and ensure you manage your stakes responsibly.

The 2025 MLB Draft is set to begin on Sunday, with teams looking to bolster their rosters for future success. The San Diego Padres hold the 25th overall pick and are focused on enhancing their minor league system to maintain competitiveness in the National League. According to Keith Law's latest mock draft, the Padres are predicted to select Xavier Neyens, a promising third baseman from Mount Vernon High School in Washington, known for his exceptional power and all-around skills.

Neyens stands out as the 19th overall prospect, having posted impressive stats during his junior season, including a .455 batting average with three home runs and 24 RBIs, along with significant contributions on the mound with an 8-0 record and a 1.26 ERA. With All-Star Manny Machado nearing the end of his career, drafting Neyens could strategically position the Padres for a smooth transition at third base.

Manny Machado etched his name in the history books as he reached a career milestone of 2,000 hits during the San Diego Padres' matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Achieving this historic feat with an infield single in the fourth inning, Machado became the 295th player to hit this mark in MLB history, needing just 1,825 games to reach it.

This season has been a remarkable one for Machado, who also celebrated his 350th career home run last month and scored his 1,000th run in April. His blend of offensive prowess and defensive skill has earned him seven All-Star selections and numerous accolades, solidifying his status as one of the premier third basemen in the league.

Manny Machado etched his name into baseball history on Monday night, recording his 2,000th career hit during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Reaching this milestone in the fourth inning, Machado's single off pitcher Zac Gallen sparked a celebratory ovation from the Petco Park crowd. He didn’t stop there, also hitting a solo home run later in the game, bringing his career total to 357 homers.

This achievement places Machado among an elite group, making him the 297th player in MLB history to reach 2,000 hits and only the fifth active player to do so. His performance included a 3-for-5 batting effort, although the Padres fell short in a 6-3 loss, marking their third defeat in five games. Despite the team's struggles this season, Machado's ongoing contributions solidify his status as a key player for the Padres.