The Padres have been advised to think about dealing their leading prospect during this coming offseason.

The San Diego Padres are currently navigating a crucial offseason period. They've already seen their top pitcher, Dylan Cease, depart after he finalized a free agent agreement with the Toronto Blue Jays. 

San Diego's other starting pitcher, Michael King, is also available for bidding, as is Robert Suarez. Furthermore, the team won't have Yu Darvish for the 2026 season following elbow surgery.

Securing new pitchers stands as a primary objective for the club in the coming months. Nevertheless, speculation suggests they might convert one of their relief pitchers, such as Mason Miller, into a starting role. 

The Padres have been advised to think about dealing their leading prospect during this coming offseason. 

Beyond the realm of unrestricted player acquisition, the Padres might also strengthen their roster through player exchanges. Throughout this offseason, numerous prominent athletes have been presented as potential trade assets. 

San Diego might consider releasing one of their leading prospects to acquire assistance in 2026. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter suggests that their top prospect, Ethan Salas, is someone to monitor in this situation. 

"A.J. Preller has never hesitated to trade his prospects, and flipping Salas this winter might be the best way to maximize his rapidly slipping value. That could be a decision that comes back to haunt the Padres if everything clicks, but it feels like that's the crossroads we've arrived at, despite the fact that he is still a teenager."

Reuter highlights that San Diego's General Manager has consistently been willing to exchange promising young players for Established Major League Baseball talent. Salas might be a valuable asset in acquiring a skilled starting pitcher. 

Rumors suggest the Milwaukee Brewers might be considering a trade involving Freddy Peralta, or alternatively, San Diego could contact the Miami Marlins to inquire about the cost of acquiring a player such as Edward Cabrera.

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• Adley Rutschman could be the answer for the Phillies if J.T. Realmuto signs elsewhere

• Projected Phillies trade lands them Jarren Duran at the cost of a big-name prospect