Could The San Diego Padres Deal A Reliever For A Starter?

[Matthew Lenz]

Despite re-signing Michael King, the San Diego Padres are still looking to fill the void left by Dylan Cease, who signed with the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason.

Earlier in the offseason, it was rumored that general manager AJ  Preller was considering transitioning one of his relievers from the bullpen to the starting rotation. At the time, he had given himself about two weeks to make that decision and seemingly opted not to go that route. However, that doesn't mean Padres fans won't see changes in the bullpen before Opening Day.

AJ Cassavell of MLB.com is reporting that the San Diego Padres are looking to add starting pitching and could deal a reliever to make that happen. The report doesn't indicate exactly which reliever(s) may be subject to trade talks, but Cassavell does mention that a high-leverage reliever, Mason Miller, is unlikely to be dealt.

That said, he doesn't go too much further down the pecking order before bringing up names like Jeremiah Estrada, Adrian Morejon, and David Morgan as potential candidates. He also mentions Jason Adam as an unlikely candidate to be traded. Recently, it was also suggested that the Padres may need to deal Nick Pivetta to make room for another start from a cost standpoint.

Do you think the Padres should trade one of their high-end relievers for a starting pitcher? Let us know what you think of the comments.

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[Stuart Shaffer]

If Mr. Preller makes a major trade, the three most likely partners are BOS, NYM, and BAL.  If it's BOS, they will want a 2B.  If Preller is willing to trade his 2B, he should consider adding a reliever and asking for Garrett Whitlock (currently a reliever) and Tanner Houck, who won't pitch again until 2027.  Whitlock can be converted back to a SP for 2026.  BOS gets its 2B and a RP to replace Whitlock, and Houck is a throw in to make it two for two.  If it's NYM, they'll want a starter.  If Preller wants to trade, send the starter for a ML ready young SP (NYM has one or two) and Tyler Megill, who, like Houck, is out until 2027.  Trading his 2B and pricey SP would allow Preller to hire people such as Walker Buehler, Griffin Canning, and a Mr. Nieblas-type project, old friend Chris Paddack, who can still throw hard but can't currently pitch.