The Padres had one of the most intriguing trade deadlines out of any team in 2025, as they acquired a pair of bats, a catcher, and a high-leverage bullpen arm. In order to gain all of these assets, they had to let go of 13 prospects, as well as a pair of starting pitchers.
Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek were two arms a part of one of the many deals that the Padres made at the deadline. The move was for catcher Freddy Fermin, whom San Diego acquired to improve their catching room in the back half of the season. The move paid dividends, as not only did the Padres make the playoffs, but the team has Fermin under contract through 2029.
As for Kansas City, the move didn’t pan out the way they wanted it to, as the Royals missed out on the postseason just a year after making it for the first time since 2015.
Padres should offer Jake Cronenworth to Royals in exchange for Ryan Bergert or Stephen Kolek
A big factor in the Royals’ disappointing 2025 season was the lack of offensive production, as they ranked bottom-five in both home runs (26th) and RBIs (26th). Aside from Bobby Witt Jr., Maikel Garcia, and Vinnie Pasquantino, the team lacked the impact bats to repeat the same success from the year prior.
In the midst of the 2025 winter meetings, the Royals have hinted at making a move for an impact bat. But to do this, it would require the team to move on from one of their starting pitchers, who played a part in the Royals finishing above .500.
Royals’ general manager, J.J. Picollo, made it clear that the team’s goal in the winter meetings was to gain an impact bat, especially in the outfield. Names such as Teoscar Hernandez, Harrison Bader, and Austin Hays have been top of mind.
However, the Padres could orchestrate a trade with the Royals that would send one of their bats to Kansas City in exchange for one of their old pitching projects.
The Padres are in desperate need of freeing up payroll, and moving Cronenworth would do just that, as the 31-year-old is due $60 million over the next five years. At the same time, this team could really benefit from trading for a starting pitcher, which Kansas City has plenty of. A reunion for Bergert or Kolek wouldn’t be half bad, as the rotation currently consists of only Nick Pivetta and Joe Musgrove.
Not only would the Padres benefit from acquiring a starting pitcher, but also clear up payroll. The team would be able to afford more expensive options at key positions, such as first or second base.
The team entertained bringing back Luis Arráez, but acknowledged that money would play a factor in the decision of whether or not to go through with the idea.
Moving Cronenworth in exchange for a young, solid starting pitcher would open the gates to more options for A.J. Preller and the front office.
