Despite initial rumblings that they would make a splash on the starting pitching trade market, the San Diego Padres’ trade deadline this year was defined by their complete overhaul of their bullpen. While the most recognizable name they brought in was Tanner Scott, it was their acquisition of Jason Adam from the Rays that could end up being their biggest win.
At the time, there were a number of observers that thought the price the Padres paid for Adam was rather high. Adam had been quite good for Tampa since at least 2022 and had a 2.49 ERA at the time of the trade, but the Padres gave up some highly-rated prospects in exchange for a non-closing reliever (albeit one who came with some team control).
Since the trade, however, Adam has made the Padres look like geniuses for making the move.
Jason Adam has turned into one of MLB’s best relievers with the Padres
So much attention is given to closers when the discussion of relievers comes up, but having a guy like Adam who can be called upon in late-game situations with the ability to go more than an inning has been huge for the Padres. Since Aug. 1, Adam has been the Padres’ best reliever by fWAR at 0.7 and the 12th-best reliever in all of baseball with a 0.82 ERA and 2.08 FIP in 22 innings of work (before his rough showing against the White Sox on Saturday: 1/3 of an inning, one earned run, one hit, two walks and a hit batter).
Jason Adam discussed how it feels to be a member of the Padres, his thoughts on the strength of the Padres’ bullpen and what he brings to the Padres: pic.twitter.com/M1iIaalx1d
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) July 30, 2024
Again, it isn’t like the other relievers San Diego brought in at the trade deadline have been bad. Tanner Scott has been awesome with a 2.45 ERA and 2.35 FIP with the same workload as Adam. Bryan Hoeing, who also came over in the Scott trade, has chipped in in a big way as well with a 0.95 ERA despite not getting much swing and miss…