Despite sitting in a playoff spot, the San Diego Padres‘ roster needs some serious work. The pitching, especially the bullpen, has been spectacular. Their offense, on the other hand, is the third-lowest scoring in the National League. With the trade deadline only a few days away, rumors are starting to circulate on what San Diego is going to do.
Dylan Cease on the Trade Block
With the team currently in a playoff spot, it sounds strange to be trading away a starting pitcher who was fourth in Cy Young voting last year. Nevertheless, Dylan Cease appears to be on the trade block, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney. While it would be unorthodox to trade away a front-line starter as a contender, the Padres’ biggest priority is to improve offensively. They don’t have the prospect capital to outbid other contending teams. It also doesn’t help that Cease has pitched poorly this season with a 4.59 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. Trading Cease in a market with a lack of starting pitching play out be extremely beneficial.
Looking to Acquire Starting Pitchers
While there are rumors that the Friars may trade Cease away, they are looking to simulataneouly replace him in the rotation. Charlie Morton and Sandy Alcántara have both been linked to the Friars. Both pitchers have struggled, but have shown recent improvement. Morton’s ERA was over seven at the beginning of June and now sits at 5.58. Meanwhile, Alcántara’s ERA was over eight at the beginning of June, and is now 6.66. It would be risky to bank on these guys, but if they continue their upward trends, the Padres could make out like bandits.
Offensive Trade Rumors
Rumors about the Padres looking to add an outfielder ramped up months ago, with Jarren Duran being discussed as a trade option multiple times. However, the Red Sox have heated up and are not expected to sell. Another outfielder the Padres have checked in on is Steven Kwan of the Guardians, but it’s questionable if they would even move him.
Two other players that are more likely to be traded are Luis Robert Jr. and Marcell Ozuna. Robert appears to be the better option, as he has heated up lately and can provide excellent defense in left field. He’s hit .351 with a .983 OPS in July. Ozuna would be an offensive improvement, but he has slumped lately with under a .600 since the beginning of June, has off-the-field issues, and is strictly a designated hitter. There’s better options available.
San Diego was also rumored to be in the catcher market, but there has been nothing to indicate that a quality catcher will be traded this deadline.
What will the Padres Do?
Based on these rumors, we can infer a couple of things. First, the Padres’ main priority is improving the offense by adding an outfielder. Second, they don’t have the ability to add much to their payroll. On top of the Cease rumors, Jake Cronenworth has been mentioned in trade speculation, as he is making $11.2 million this year. Even if Cronenworth isn’t moved, the rumors reveal that the franchise does not have much financial wiggle room.
The Friars are in a tough spot. Their pitching staff is great, and they have the core of their roster under contract for years to come. However, the lineup has multiple holes, no depth, and they don’t have the prospect capital or financial flexibility to thoroughly improve it. The bottom line is that they are going to be both buyers and sellers to retain their team salary and spark the offense. While it’s hard to even speculate what trades will go down, there’s one certainty: AJ Preller and the Padres will be one of the most active teams this trade deadline.
Padres Plans at the Trade Deadline Revealed