The San Diego Padres fell just one win short of reaching the National League Championship Series in 2024, but they may struggle to build on that success with a major addition this offseason.
With a $193 million payroll already committed for 2025, the team could be looking at cost-cutting measures. As a result, players entering their final seasons of arbitration, such as Dylan Cease and Luis Arráez, could find themselves on the trade block.
The Padres might also consider trading star reliever Robert Suarez as he enters the third year of his $46 million contract. Suarez is owed $10 million in 2025, with the potential for an additional $16 million if he doesn’t exercise his opt-out.
With Suarez and his salary potentially on the move, Jackson Roberts of On SI suggested a trade that would send him to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for prospects Richard Fitts and Blaze Jordan.
Roberts argued that trading for Fitts, who showed promise late in 2024, would provide the Padres with a cost-controlled starting pitcher, especially if Roki Sasaki ends up signing with the rival Los Angeles Dodgers. He also noted that Jordan possesses impressive bat speed, and if he improves his power, he could reach the majors within a couple of years.
Despite having a roster full of win-now stars, the Padres may look to restock their farm system after several blockbuster trades have thinned it out. Acquiring Fitts and Jordan would help in that effort, or the Padres could potentially trade them again soon after the deal.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox may need a new closer with Kenley Jansen exploring free agency. Suarez, who notched 36 saves and a 2.77 ERA in his All-Star 2024 season, is considered one of the top relievers available.
“There was no word on whether the Red Sox, specifically, had been in contact with the Padres, but if they aren’t already, perhaps they should be,” Roberts added. “The Red Sox could be willing to give up slightly better prospects, but Fitts and Jordan meet San Diego’s needs the best of their farm system options.”
The Padres could attract several contending teams if they decide to trade Suarez before the 2025 season. However, with a strong farm system and a clear focus on returning to the playoffs, the Red Sox appear to be an ideal fit for such a trade.
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