At the 2025 MLB trade deadline, the San Diego Padres emerged as one of the biggest winners by making bold and aggressive moves in an all-out effort to close the gap on the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers. Led by GM A.J. Preller, the Padres traded away top prospects—most notably Leodalis De Vries—to land elite closer Mason Miller and left-hander J.P. Sears from the Athletics. They further boosted their offense and depth with acquisitions like Ryan O’Hearn, Ramón Laureano, and Néstor Cortés. While the Dodgers took a more conservative approach, the Padres sent a clear message: they’re not backing down in the race for the NL West crown. Though the long-term cost may be high, San Diego’s win-now strategy positions them as a formidable October threat—making them headline winners of this year’s trade frenzy.