At the moment, the San Diego Padres are in a difficult situation. With a squad full of talented players, they might contend for the World Series, the National League pennant, and the National League West crown. However, they have a lot of money on their books and a lot of contracts that are about to expire.
In order to improve their squad for the upcoming season and beyond, the Padres may try to make one or two trades this season. The Padres will need to add some controllable talent to their roster if they are to catch the Dodgers in the NL West. In order to improve their squad and secure the NL pennant, who might the Padres seek in trades?
Trade proposal 1: Padres add controllable starter Padres receive: LHP Andrew Abbott Reds receive: LHP Boston Bateman, OF Tirso Ornelas, RHP Ryan Bergert
The Cincinnati Reds have a lot of big league-caliber pitchers. They may try to acquire a couple elite prospects in exchange for Andrew Abbott if Rhett Lowder recovers from his injury. The Padres may acquire Abbott in exchange for a controllable starter to replace Dylan Cease and Michael King, who are both scheduled to enter free agency following this season.
Abbott’s addition to the Padres’ roster would help them win now and position them for future success. The Padres could sign him this season because he is the kind of reliable lefty they need at the back end of their rotation.
Trade proposal 2: Padres win Luis Robert Jr. sweepstakes Padres receive: OF Luis Robert Jr. White Sox receive: LHP Kash Mayfield, SS/2B Cobb Hightower, RHP Braden Nett
With so many Padres players on mega-deals or expiring contracts, San Diego could use a star like Robert, who is on an affordable deal for the next few seasons. The Padres need to add an outfielder this season, and Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox may be the most promising player available. The Padres could trade three of their top ten prospects to acquire Robert.
He would be a terrific addition alongside the rest of the talents in San Diego. Adding this superstar would steal him before the Dodgers can trade for him, and it would catapult the Padres ahead in the NL West competition.
