AJ Preller’s Trade Frenzy Keeps MLB Buzzing
In a whirlwind of activity that has become his hallmark, Padres general manager AJ Preller executed six significant trade deadline deals over the past four years, resulting in the departure of an eye-popping 235 prospects. His relentless pursuit of talent has seen him trade with 28 of the 29 teams in Major League Baseball, acquiring stars like Juan Soto, only to later send him packing.
The Latest Deadline Surge
The most recent trade deadline proved to be a frenetic showcase of Preller’s transactional prowess. Within a mere six hours, he orchestrated five deals involving 22 players. This level of action raised eyebrows even among those accustomed to his high-octane style. Robert Murray of FanSided, attending the GM Meetings in Las Vegas, took the opportunity to discuss Preller’s remarkable workload.
“I’ve always been curious about AJ Preller and what exactly his trade deadlines look like,” Murray shared on The Baseball Insiders podcast. He noted, “Last deadline was even busy even by his standards.” The sheer volume of trades has led to questions about how Preller manages to keep up the pace.
Sleepless Nights and Pure Adrenaline
Preller’s secret? A grueling sleep schedule. According to Murray, the Padres GM confesses to going to bed at 3 a.m. and waking up at 4:30 a.m., allowing himself just an hour and a half of sleep. When asked how he maintains such stamina, Preller’s response was simple: “pure adrenaline.”
To fuel this frenetic lifestyle, he relies on Gatorade and chocolate milk, embodying a unique approach that sets him apart from other executives in the game. His unconventional methods have elicited a range of reactions from those around him.
Industry Reactions to Preller’s Approach
Describing Preller’s behavior as “crazy” and “nuts,” Padres outfielder Ramon Laureano captures the sentiment of many. A former member of the Padres’ baseball operations team described the environment under Preller as “insane.”
“It’s exciting. It’s f—- exhausting,” remarked one Padres scout, reflecting the intense atmosphere that accompanies the GM’s relentless drive to improve the team. Despite the exhaustion, Preller’s passion for baseball remains evident. Murray noted, “He loves talking ball. He loves talking different trade scenarios.”
Tatis Jr. and the Rumor Mill
As the offseason approaches, speculation continues to swirl around the future of star players, including Fernando Tatis Jr. Earlier this week, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale suggested the possibility of a blockbuster trade involving the reigning National League Platinum Glove Award winner. However, while acknowledging the financial constraints the Padres face, Murray dismissed the likelihood of a Tatis trade. “You can never rule anything out with AJ Preller,” he said, “but I don’t see them trading Tatis.”
With the Winter Meetings on the horizon, the MLB rumor mill shows no signs of slowing down. Preller’s recent activity ensures that he remains a central figure in the ongoing trade discussions, keeping both fans and analysts eagerly watching what he might do next.
