Preller is under a great deal of pressure to get the Padres into the playoffs at least.I don't understand the proposed Betts deal from the Padres' perspective. Is San Diego a potential playoff team with Betts? Maybe, but fringe-y wildcard at best, I think. So why trade prospects for a player you would likely lose to free agency after 2020 and you wouldn't even make the playoffs in 2020?
I guess San Diego could boost revenue to some degree with ticket sales if you sign Betts. Maybe San Diego thinks they could replenish some of the lost prospect talent by themselves trading Betts at the deadline if they're out of it this summer. I get the Dodgers' rationale, but I don't understand the Padres' interest.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/barrymbloom/2019/11/01/aj-prellers-last-stand-as-general-manager-of-san-diego-padres/#4e8143327cda