MLB Trade Rumors: Padres Interested In Marlins' Dominant Pitcher
The San Diego Padres are exploring bullpen upgrades before Thursday’s trade deadline, and Miami Marlins reliever Anthony Bender has emerged as a target.
According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the Padres are one of multiple teams showing interest in the 30-year-old right-hander, who has been a quietly dominant presence this season.
Bender’s Strong Season Draws Trade Interest
Bender has delivered a standout year for the Miami Marlins, posting a 1.83 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and three saves across 44.1 innings pitched. Known for his sweeper-heavy arsenal and ability to induce ground balls (50% groundball rate), Bender has limited home runs while giving up hard contact sparingly. Though his strikeout rate (19.9%) is below league average, his elite command of contact makes him a valuable late-inning option.
🔮 RUMOR
— Big_3_Central (@Big_3_Central) July 29, 2025
The #Padres are among multiple clubs interested in #Marlins RHP Anthony Bender (via @Ken_Rosenthal) #MLB
Would you like to see the Padres land the Marlins closer?👇 pic.twitter.com/iM4csMuQ9w
The Marlins control Bender through the 2027 season, making him an appealing long-term addition for contenders. However, advanced metrics like his 4.16 SIERA and .188 BABIP suggest some performance regression could be on the horizon, which may affect his market value.
Padres Could Reshape Bullpen Before Deadline
San Diego’s bullpen already ranks among the league’s best, featuring Jeremiah Estrada, Jason Adam, and Adrian Morejon. Closer Robert Suarez remains under contract through 2027, but with an opt-out clause looming, there’s speculation the Padres could trade him and restructure their late-inning hierarchy. Adding Bender would give them another dependable option, whether Suarez stays or goes.
Didn’t finish reading the article yesterday but they said the Padres were considering Anthony Bender too. He’s a solid arm but he’s basically a RHH specialist and you already have Morgan for that. If they get another reliever I hope he’s a platoon neutral guy or a LHH specialist. https://t.co/vFNSGdfvfQ
— Giannis Auntiegotapoodle (@TooMuchMortons_) July 29, 2025
At 59-49 and holding the final NL Wild Card spot, the Padres are firmly in playoff contention. President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller is reportedly working with tight payroll parameters but remains aggressive in his deadline approach.
Acquiring Bender at his $1.42 million salary could strengthen San Diego’s bullpen depth without significantly impacting finances.
Photo Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
