The San Diego Padres are widely expected to pursue additional bullpen reinforcements before the Aug. 3 trade deadline as they prepare for what they hope will be a lengthy postseason run.
Although San Diego already boasts one of baseball’s strongest relief units, the organization remains focused on strengthening its depth. Team executives are determined to avoid overburdening key arms during the regular season, placing a premium on preserving bullpen health and effectiveness for October.
That concern has only grown after closer Mason Miller recently acknowledged the demanding workload he has carried throughout the season and the impact it has had on his performance. As a result, the Padres appear increasingly motivated to add another dependable reliever before the deadline.
According to USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale, San Diego has identified a pair of intriguing targets. The Padres are reportedly monitoring veteran closer Aroldis Chapman of the Boston Red Sox, while also showing interest in Colorado Rockies right-hander Antonio Senzatela.
Chapman has long been viewed as a logical fit for San Diego’s bullpen, but Senzatela represents a more unexpected possibility. The veteran spent the first nine seasons of his major league career as a starting pitcher before making the transition to a relief role in 2026.
Over 822 career innings entering this season, Senzatela carried a 5.18 ERA and often struggled to find consistency. However, his move to the bullpen has completely transformed his results.
Through 16 appearances this season, the 31-year-old has posted an impressive 1.36 ERA across 33 innings while also collecting three saves. His ability to thrive in shorter outings has quickly turned him into one of the more intriguing bullpen arms potentially available on the trade market.
A major reason for Senzatela’s breakout has been the effectiveness of his cutter. Opponents have managed just a .143 batting average against the pitch, which he has relied on more than 30 percent of the time. His fastball has also produced strong results, limiting hitters to a .214 average.
Beyond his on-field performance, Senzatela could offer value beyond the current season. He is under team control through a club option for 2027 worth $14 million, giving the Padres the flexibility to evaluate his fit before deciding on a longer-term commitment.
San Diego may hesitate to part with significant trade assets given Senzatela’s uneven track record as a starter, but his success out of the bullpen appears increasingly legitimate. If his resurgence continues, he could become a valuable late-inning weapon not only for the remainder of this season but potentially for years to come as well.
