The San Diego Padres lost one of their star aces in Dylan Cease to free agency, but they were able to keep the other in Michael King. However, they still need to address the open spot in their rotation.
Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly offers a far out, 2026 Trade Deadline solution: trade for Minnesota Twins All-Star Joe Ryan.
“When you add in that both Michael King and Nick Pivetta will have the chance to opt out and return to free agency following the 2026 season, Preller will be motivated to acquire another starter that can help maximize San Diego's chances to win it all next year and add insurance for 2027. Ryan would fit the bill on both counts, as he's posted a 3.50 ERA and 10 K/9 since the start of the 2024 season. Additionally, the former All-Star can't become a free agent until after the 2027 season, so he would protect the Padres if they were to lose King and/or Pivetta in free agency next winter,” Kelly wrote.
This past season, Ryan fell off near the end, but he still posted a 13-10 record, a 3.42 ERA, 194 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.035. He could fit in great as a no. 2 starter behind King, and give the Padres an overall strong front-end for their rotation.
As for money, he wouldn’t cost that much. He made $3 million last season, and is currently going into arbitration for the Twins over $500,000. He filed for $6.35 million, and the Twins filed for $5.85 million. Either way, he would be a cost-effective option, with another year of team control after this upcoming season.
Hopefully, the Padres are in the race for their division or the Wild Card, as it would make this predicted trade all the more likely.
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