Suddenly catching-rich Padres land Castro

Contenders for the first time in a decade, the Padres entered Trade Deadline weekend with a very specific shopping list: bullpen help, an impact bat and a catcher.

Check. Check. And double check.

Shortly after they’d finalized a seven-player blockbuster centered around Mariners backstop Austin Nola, the Padres landed another catcher from an AL West club on Sunday night. Jason Castro is heading from the Angels to San Diego in exchange for righty reliever Gerardo Reyes.

It's yet another upgrade for a roster that, in the past two days, has already added right-hander Trevor Rosenthal, Austin Adams and Dan Altavilla, designated hitter Mitch Moreland and Nola. The Padres are playing like serious contenders in the National League this season -- and their front office is responding in kind.

Castro, 33, is an upgrade to the current catching situation in San Diego. He entered Sunday hitting just .192, but reaching base at a .323 clip, which is largely consistent with his career mark. The Padres will happily take an on-base threat, considering the potency of the rest of their lineup. San Diego currently ranks second in the Majors in wRC+ and slugging percentage.

It's unclear how much playing time will be available for Castro, however, considering the acquisition of Nola. But the two trades make it seem likely that either Austin Hedges or Francisco Mejía will be used in a package to acquire a starting pitcher ahead of Monday’s 1 p.m. PT Deadline.

In parts of 10 big league seasons, Castro owns a .231/.313/.390 slash line with 88 home runs. He will be a free agent this winter.

Reyes, who has spent the season at the team’s alternate training site, posted a 7.62 ERA in 27 appearances as a rookie last year.