Which players can help Padres make a postseason impact?

The San Diego Padres are surging, and with their four-game winning streak as of Thursday, they're poised to make a bold move(s) at the trade deadline, which quickly arrives on July 30 at 6 p.m. ET.

While the team would certainly prefer a cushion greater than four games over .500, their current standing puts them in a virtual tie with the St. Louis Cardinals for the third Wild Card spot in the National League.

The Padres' +26 run differential stands in stark contrast to the Cardinals' -36, giving San Diego a tangible edge. The Padres are brimming with confidence that they can surpass St. Louis and grab that coveted postseason spot.

With the Dodgers holding a commanding 91.7% chance to win the NL West, per FanGraphs , it's clear the Padres' focus should shift toward securing a Wild Card slot. The team owes it to itself, its loyal fan base, and the late Peter Seidler to make a strong push for October baseball.

With the trade market currently quieter than expected, the Padres have the opportunity to target key players who could bolster their roster. Here are five potential targets that should be on San Diego's radar:

Garrett Crochet | SP | Chicago White Sox

Known for his potential and fastball, Crochet stands out as a top starter available. Dennis Lin of The Athletic notes , "General manager A.J. Preller has been after Crochet for at least a couple of months, apparently undeterred by workload concerns surrounding the White Sox All-Star."

With competition from teams like the Dodgers and Orioles, the Padres may need to part with premium prospects, potentially including shortstop Leodalis De Vries .

Randy Arozarena | OF | Tampa Bay Rays

Arozarena's recent hot streak (. 306/.390/.722 - 1.112 OPS in the last 14 games) mirrors the Padres' own momentum. His presence would provide insurance for Fernando Tatis Jr.'s return and bolster the lineup with his impressive postseason credentials, including a career 1.104 OPS.

Frankie Montas | SP | Cincinnati Reds

With his mid-90s fastball velocity back, Montas offers a chance to solidify the Padres' rotation. As a potential bounce-back candidate, he could be the missing piece for a successful second half after a few mechanical tweaks.

Elias Diaz | C | Colorado Rockies

Diaz could be a valuable bench addition. Known for his defensive prowess and contact skills, he offers a solid option behind the plate, with the added appeal of an expiring contract.

Tanner Scott | RP | Miami Marlins

The top rental reliever available, Scott is expected to be moved by the Marlins. His experience and reliability in the bullpen make him a prime candidate for the Padres' late-season push.