Rumors of a potential trade between the San Diego Padres and the New York Mets have been swirling since the MLB Winter Meetings. Steven Woods from Ben & Woods on 97.3 The Fan speculated that a package headlined by closer Mason Miller from San Diego could bring a return from New York that included shortstop Francisco Lindor. Sounds like a pipe dream for sure, but social media has picked up where Woods left off and the mock trades have only increased the speculation.
All of this speculation has followed a report by Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune that Padres President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller was working on many fronts and that a trade that would rival the Juan Soto trade prior to the 2024 season could happen. It did not happen at the winter meetings, but the thought is Preller will continue to push to make deals throughout the winter.
Former San Diego closer Robert Suarez signed a deal with the Atlanta Braves, Thursday and that has only breathed new life into the possibility of a Miller trade. Preller has stated that he is not looking to trade Miller or any of the other top arms in his bullpen, but he has also said in previous interviews that he will listen on anyone.
Padres News:
- In a somewhat curious move, the Padres are reportedly interested in making a deal with the Colorado Rockies to acquire center fielder Brenton Doyle. San Diego signed Jackson Merrill to a long-term contract prior to the 2025 season, and he is currently manning center field for the Friars. However, the interest in Doyle may have something to do with rumors that the Padres have received trade interest about their left fielder, Ramon Laureano, who came to San Diego at the trade deadline last season after a trade with the Baltimore Orioles.
Baseball News:
- Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger are the two big-name position players remaining unsigned. There is talk that Bellinger may not sign until Tucker in an effort to maximize his contract potential. Tucker has been sought after by many MLB teams and for much of the offseason speculation has been that he will sign with the Toronto Blue Jays. After Pete Alonso left the New York Mets to sign with the Baltimore Orioles, Tucker to New York makes some sense. The Los Angeles Dodgers have also reportedly expressed interest in Tucker, but do not want to commit to an extended contact. There are six teams that are thought to be the favorites to land Tucker and Travis Sawchik of MLB.com ranks the New York Yankees, the Mets, the San Francisco Giants, Blue Jays, Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies in order of best fit for the free agent outfielder.
- With all the negative press that has befallen the Mets over the past few days, a major move might salvage their offseason. There is speculation that New York could try to make a trade for 2025 American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. The Detroit Tigers have said they will listen to offers for their ace pitcher but were not inclined to trade him. The belief is that stance has changed and it is likely that Skubal is moved at some point in the offseason or at the trade deadline.
- The Kansas City Royals, who were reportedly willing to trade some of their pitchers, addressed their defense with the addition of outfielder Lane Thomas, who agreed to a one-year deal with the club.
- The Milwaukee Brewers also added to their outfield, agreeing to a deal with Akil Baddoo on a one-year deal.
- Pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. and the Athletics have agreed to a one-year deal and the Cleveland Guardians have also agreed to a deal with reliever Colin Holderman on a one-year deal.
- The Boston Red Sox missed out on Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso and the belief is they are still looking to add an impact bat. There are some options for the Red Sox and one of those options may be to bring back third baseman Alex Bregman, who played in Boston in 2025 and opted out of his deal after the season to become a free agent.
