Padres projected to bolster the rotation in a trade with the Rays

Jared Bloom

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Padres projected to bolster the rotation in a trade with the Rays image

The San Diego Padres already lost one of their frontline starters when Dylan Cease agreed to a seven-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. Michael King now sits on the open market, and it is unlikely San Diego will be able to retain him. 

And with Yu Darvish likely being out for the 2026 season, there is a big need to acquire a starting pitcher or two this winter, or the club could be in trouble. Luckily for them, there are quite a few interesting names looking for a new opportunity on the open market. 

However, you cannot overlook the trade market. There have been quite a few big-name pitchers who have been rumored to be a trade chip, and it would not hurt for San Diego to check in on who is available and who is not. 

Padres projected to bolster the rotation in a trade with the Rays

Freddy Peralta and Tarik Skubal have been two of the biggest pitchers who could be dealt elsewhere in a trade. While either would be a great get for San Diego, The Athletic's Jim Bowden projects they will settle to bolster the rotation in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. 

Bowden predicts that the Padres could acquire starting pitchers Drew Rasmussen and Shane Baz in exchange for Ethan Salas, Miguel Mendez, Humberto Cruz, and Bradgley Rodriguez. 

"With the status of Yu Darvish up in the air and Michael King testing free agency, the Padres need to rebuild their rotation quickly. Rasmussen and Baz give them two arms to slot in right away, while the Rays get the high-upside catcher Salas, as well as young pitching talent to develop."

Bowden believes this trade benefits both clubs. San Diego gets two arms to slot into their starting rotation, and the Rays get young pitching talent and an exciting catching prospect in Ethan Salas.

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Contributing Writer