Throughout this past week, my emotions have been going through the roof as Aj Preller the general manager for the San Diego Padres has been trading the majority of my favorite players on the team. Every year, the trade deadline is extremely heartbreaking because normally the Padres always trade my favorite players but this year was definitely one to remember.

On Monday, the Padres extended Joe Musgrove’s contract to five years for $100 Million which was exiting because he is the best pitcher i’ve seen in a long time. Joe grew up in San Diego so not only was a special moment for him and his family along with the Padres organization but for their fans who have grown up in San Diego as well. Congratulations to Joe on this incredible accomplishment and many more memories to come as a Padre. The Padres also received on of the best closers in baseball Josh Hader, from the Milwaukee brewers in exchange for closer Taylor Rodgers, RHP Dinelson Lamet, LHP Robert Gasser, and OF Esteury Ruiz. Taylor has been struggling giving up hits his last 10 starts so the Padres started looking for a closer to replace him. Once the news broke out that the padres received Josh, I was absolutely speechless and couldn’t control my emotions. Josh has had an incredible season so far playing in Milwaukee and is currently the saves leader in all of baseball. Welcome to San Diego Josh, I can’t wait to see what this year has in store for you and the rest of the Padres.

Yesterday, I woke up having a heart attack because the Padres traded my favorite player Erick Hosmer. Erick has been a huge part of our team for the past few years so I was shocked the Padres wanted to get rid of him. Although, the Padres were able to receive two incredible players Juan Soto and Josh Bell from the Washington Nationals in exchange for 1B Luke Voit, SS CJ Abrams, LHP Mckenzie Gore, OF Robert Hassell, OF James Wood, and RHP Jarlin Susana. Erick was supposed to be traded to the nationals but he has a no trade list on his contract and the Nationals were on it so the Padres sent Luke instead and was later traded to the Boston Red Sox. When the news broke out, I was shocked beyond belief because I thought the Dodgers were going to get Juan from the Nationals but Aj was able to pull off one of the biggest trades the Padres have had in a while. Juan has had an incredible career in Washington and he is only 23 years old so just imagine what a significant impact he will make on our team along with Fernando Tatis JR and Manny Machado. I’m also very excited to see what Josh will bring to our team since he has been doing an amazing job playing for the Nationals. Welcome to San Diego Juan and Josh! Padres fans can’t wait so see you both in action at Petco Park.

Personally, I was having a hard time adjusting to our trades yesterday because Erick has made such a significant impact on my life. I will never forget the memories Erick and I have shared at spring training together and grateful for our relationship. Best of luck Hos in Boston and I will definitely be visiting you soon. Aj, thank you for everything you have done for the Padres and making your job look easy but I know how difficult it could be at times. The Padres would not be where they are at today without the coaching staff and the Padres organization so huge thank you to you all. Hopefully the Padres will continue playing their absolute best and make it to the postseason.

Sincerely,

Taylor Leonard aka Beyond the Bases