Recent reports have stated that the San Diego Padres are having outfielder Trent Grisham and infielder Ha-Seong Kim available on the trade block as the team seeks starting pitching depth.
Credit to Associated Press for this image.
The starting pitching market this free agency season has been quite expensive, as starting pitchers are being signed left and right; and not with the San Diego Padres.
With the free agency market dwindling down to very few options, eyes would be more set on the trade market, in which San Diego might look that way to stay under the $273 million luxury tax level.
Ideally, you could argue that current free agents Johnny Cueto, Michael Wacha and Zach Greinke are decent options for depth purposes. However, would you want these names as the probable fourth starter going into the postseason? I personally would not. Now, this is not due to their names not being as big as others like Carlos Rodón or Nathan Eovaldi. Instead, these names would be to create that six-man rotation in order to provide extra rest and durability in a 162-game season. Having another starter just to fill in innings and get significant outs would be crucial; especially once a few injuries play a factor, which is almost bound to happen. It is baseball.
So if San Diego decides to stay under the luxury tax threshold and trade for an ace, what would they have to sacrifice away? With Grisham and Kim being reportedly available, the Padres have expressed interest in Miami Marlins pitcher Pablo Lopez. I have discussed this more on my latest episode, but for a short answer, I do not think Lopez is worth trading away for either player. Instead, try and look into possibly Sandy Alcántara or go to another team to see if they want prospects rather than MLB-level talent. You may think trading for Alcántara is crazy as the most recent Cy Young winner, but we just somehow traded for Juan Soto and more in August. Do not underestimate A.J. Preller's abilities. To listen more on this argument, you can listen to the latest episode down below!
Starting with Trent Grisham, who just won his second Gold Glove award. Trading him away, even for an outfielder in return, will not be beneficial at this time. The Padres have holes and questions in left field and would create a major one in center. The toughest position to defend unless your name is Trent Grisham. Despite his struggles in the regular season, Grisham was the hero we needed to eliminate the New York Mets and even produced a major home run in the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fernando Tatis Jr. is due to return as early as April 20th, but having him as an everyday center fielder right out the gate if Grisham is dealt? Good luck.
Moving over to Ha-Seong Kim. By making spectacular plays at shortstop this past season, Kim produced a 3.7 WAR and improved nicely with the bat as well. However, Kim lacks on slugging unlike overseas in the KBO. The Marlins have stated they will trade a starting pitcher for a bolstered offensive player that they can place in their lineup with confidence. Besides, with Kim being a middle infielder, the Marlins would have no interest. Miami has recently signed Jean Segura who they plan to have at third, and currently have Joey Wendle and youngster Jazz Chisholm in that middle infield set.
Credit to Associated Press for this image.
Instead of pulling that trade now, I would hope that the Padres take the season and progress as it goes along. Remember, it is 162 games. There is time to make a move and no need to rush. After signing Seth Lugo and re-signing Nick Martinez, it is best to give them a shot as starting pitchers. Instead of giving away much needed defense and utility for a pitcher who regressed drastically during the summer months, try and see if another team is looking to get prospects in return for an ace. Maybe the Milwaukee Brewers, as Corbin Burnes or Brandon Woodruff would be fantastic options under club control too.
San Diego should not look desperate at this time and panic by making a move. Instead, play out what teams can offer and go from there. I truly do not believe the Marlins are an ideal trade target for what they are looking for. As for the Padres, I believe they are risking much depth and versatility by trading either Grisham or Kim. If the package is right, then there will be consideration to have them traded. But for now, having them traded with questions already on who will play where on the field will make things even more complicated.
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