The Padres are one smart free-agent move away from turning a key pitcher into trade bait!

The Padres are one smart free-agent move away from turning a key pitcher into trade bait!

The San Diego Padres entered the 2024 NLDS with MLB’s hottest bat in Fernando Tatis Jr., a loaded lineup, and enough pitching to realistically challenge the growing LA dynasty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With a 2-1 series lead, the Padres were in control, poised to make a deep World Series run. But then their offense faltered, the Dodgers clamped down, and San Diego’s Cinderella season came to an abrupt end.

Now, the future looks uncertain. An ongoing ownership dispute is putting a strain on the Padres’ finances, and instead of spending big, A.J. Preller is tasked with managing a bloated payroll with limited resources.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For some time, there’s been speculation that one of their top pitchers, either Dylan Cease or Michael King, could be traded before the 2025 season. Both were exceptional last year, but Cease, in particular, seems like a ticking time bomb, on the verge of a massive payday in free agency. With the Padres unable to retain all their star assets, a trade seems inevitable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, why are Cease and King still in San Diego? Simple—there aren’t many alternatives. The Padres were long rumored to be frontrunners for Roki Sasaki, who could’ve pushed Cease out. But with Sasaki signing with LA, the Cease speculation cooled down.

Now, the latest free-agent pitcher linked to the Padres could be the key to unlocking the front office’s ability to make the tough decision of parting ways with one of their top arms.