The San Diego Padres are not expected to be the biggest spenders this winter. In fact, the Padres have been tabbed as minor sellers this offseason.
Nick Pivetta, Jake Cronenworth, and even Mason Miller are all mentioned in trade talks. With a need in the starting rotation, the Padres are trying to figure out ways to manage their money and land a new starter.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Padres are involved in the rotation market, despite the top-tier of starters being expensive. Even with payroll restrictions, A.J. Preller is as active as ever this winter.
Padres are active in SP market despite payroll limitations
With a looming sale of the team, the Padres are expected to cut down on their payroll, which could even include moving on from veterans like Pivetta, Cronenworth, Jeremiah Estrada, Adrian Morejon, and Ramon Laureano.
But, despite those uncertain futures, Passan tabs the Padres as buyers in the rotation market. While some other teams might be bigger players in the free agent market, the Padres were mentioned among other clubs with more to spend this winter.
"The Houston Astros are in the mix," Passan writes, "the Yankees are dabbling, the Los Angeles Angels remain part of the conversation, the Cubs still could use an arm, and the San Diego Padres are involved as ever."
A.J. Preller is always going to be active over the offseason, whether it's cutting payroll or adding talent; the Padres exec is intent on making moves this offseason.
More: Ethan Salas floated in trade rumors as Padres have moves to make in offseason
But, with the current situation dictating the Padres as sellers, their interest in the top-tier of the starting pitching market, which Passan referenced the Padres are active in, is an interesting update.
San Diego needs rotation help, but being active in the top-tier of the market isn't the most likely outcome for the Padres this winter. Going after the second tier of starters, who are cheaper, makes the most sense for the Padres.
Targeting starting pitchers in the trade market also makes sense, as those options are cheaper and potentially more controllable.
While the Padres likely won't spend the most money in the free agent market this offseason, Passan's update on their interest in the rotation market is something to pay extra close attention to. San Diego might be welcoming a quality starter to the rotation this winter, despite the signs pointing towards a minor sell-off this offseason.
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