The San Diego Padres are in the market for a left fielder, and could pursue former free agency target Austin Hays before the trade deadline. Hays has split time

This story was excerpted from AJ Cassavell’s Padres Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

Per the report, the underperforming Red Sox (29-32) “might consider Duran expendable,” especially with outfielder Roman Anthony — MLB.com’s top overall prospect — dominating in Triple-A (.303 average, .922 OPS) and appearing ready for promotion to the big leagues.

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.

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.

The Athletic's Jim Bowden listed the Los Angeles Angels' left fielder Taylor Ward as a realistic trade target for the San Diego Padres this season. The Padres have had problems in left field all year offensively,