MLB trade deadline: Padres ‘get southpaw Rich Hill and first baseman Jin Man Choi from Pirates’ as middling San Diego refrains from selloff in 2023

Their disappointing season notwithstanding, the 52-55 San Diego Padres are all in on 2023.

The middling National League club has reportedly reached an agreement to acquire first baseman Ji Man Choi and veteran starting pitcher Rich Hill from the Pittsburgh Pirates ahead of Tuesday’s 6pm trade deadline, according to ESPN.

Pittsburgh, meanwhile, will reportedly get first baseman Alfonso Rivas and a pair of minor leaguers: Double-A southpaw Jackson Wolf and 17-year-old outfielder Estuar Suero.

The news is significant, not only because the Padres add two established veterans, but also because it signifies San Diego’s intention to compete for a pennant this season rather than selling off veterans to reduce salary and add prospects.

Padres spokespeople did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com’s request for confirmation.  

The Pirates’ Ji Man Choi has struggled in Pittsburgh this year, but was previously reliable

With the offseason addition of Boston Red Sox slugger Xander Bogaerts, the Padres’ payroll has exceeded $246 million this season, which is more than all teams outside of New York’s Mets and Yankees.

Choi, the 32-year-old South Korean slugger, is having a disappointing season, but previously had a reputation for being a tough out and getting on base.

Hill, a 43-year-old southpaw, is on pace for 183 innings this season despite his age, and could be counted on to give San Diego’s younger hurlers a rest as they postseason approaches.

Wolf, a 24-year-old pitcher out of West Virginia University, has a 4.08 ERA in Double-A, while Suero is hitting .216 in Rookie ball.