The Los Angeles Dodgers dominated in 2024 with 98 wins and a World Series victory over the New York Yankees, and they show no signs of slowing down. With the addition of two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell, the Dodgers have strengthened their roster even further, and there’s still plenty of offseason left for more moves. This puts pressure on the San Diego Padres to be aggressive in their own pursuit of improvement.
The Padres, who won 93 games in 2024, were eliminated by the Dodgers in the National League Division Series despite putting up a strong fight. As teams aim to close the gap with Los Angeles, there are still many valuable players available through free agency and trades. One of the most enticing options is Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker, who has been the subject of trade rumors.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer proposed a trade that would see the Padres acquire Tucker and right-handed pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. in exchange for first baseman Luis Arraez and right-handed pitcher Jason Adam. Rymer explained that for the Padres to contend with the Dodgers in the NL West, they need to make a bold move, and this trade could be just what they need.
Although Fernando Tatis Jr. is locked in at right field, Tucker could fill the void left by Jurickson Profar in left field, a position where he has 72 games of experience. The Padres’ lineup, featuring Tucker alongside Tatis, Manny Machado, and Jackson Merrill, would be a formidable force. While this trade is purely hypothetical, it represents a solid strategy for the Padres to strengthen their roster and keep pace with the Dodgers.
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