The San Diego Padres re-signed Michael King this week, but they still have some moves to make before this offseason is over.
The Padres need to add another starting pitcher to their roster, but they might not have the money to go after one of the top free agents. Instead, they could chase one of the top trade targets on the market.
FanSided’s Christopher Kline urged the Padres to pursue a huge trade for Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta before the offseason is over.
“That said, if A.J. Preller can smell the chickens coming home to roost, he needs to act desperately,” Kline wrote. “Re-signing Michael King was a pleasant surprise, but the Padres still need pitching depth in lieu of Dylan Cease. Freddy Peralta probably represents San Diego’s best chance at adding a genuine ace.
“The Padres are hamstrung by their barren farm system — Milwaukee can expect a lot of fruitful offers for Peralta — but Preller has never shied away from an all-out, go-for-broke maneuver. On an expiring contract, Peralta’s trade value is somewhat limited relative to Greene, Gore and other more controllable stars. That at least gives the Padres a hope, a prayer.”
A trade for Peralta would make perfect sense for the Padres.
They don’t have the money to sign a top ace in free agency. They likely don’t have the prospect capital to land a controllable star like Hunter Greene or MacKenzie Gore.
With that in mind, they could pursue Peralta and attempt to re-sign him next offseason. Peralta would cost quite a haul of prospects, but it’s something the Padres should be able to afford. They would be better fit to offer a huge contract next winter compared to this winter, too.
