The San Diego Padres need to make adjustments to their roster, not due to poor performance, but because the Los Angeles Dodgers are so strong and continually improving. San Diego cannot rely on the same roster in 2025 and expect different outcomes.
There have been reports that the Padres are considering trade offers for their ace, Dylan Cease. If this is accurate, they may trade Cease once the top free-agent pitchers are signed this winter, creating an opportunity to add a cost-effective veteran to their rotation.
Recently, CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson predicted that the Padres could sign Max Scherzer in free agency, though he acknowledged that this prediction is more speculative.
“Scherzer made it clear that he intends to pitch in 2025. There hasn’t been much buzz on him all winter, however, suggesting that his market may not heat up until after Flaherty and Sasaki’s situations are resolved,” Anderson wrote. “I expect him to join one contender or another ahead of spring training, with the identity of that squad hinging on how those aforementioned free agencies play out. Here’s a swing in the dark.”
While Max Scherzer may not be the pitcher he once was, the 40-year-old still has some strength left in him. His 2024 season is difficult to evaluate, given that he made only nine starts due to injuries. However, in those starts, he posted a 1.15 WHIP, 4.18 FIP, and 3.95 ERA with the Texas Rangers. If the Padres can trade Dylan Cease for a significant return and then sign Scherzer for a minimal cost, it could be a worthwhile move.
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