REPORT: San Diego Padres to Make potential blockbuster deal with Baltimore Orioles to fill up starting rotation
The Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres could align well in a potential blockbuster trade.
The Padres, led by A.J. Preller, seem poised to make a move after remaining unusually quiet on the transaction front. Despite clear gaps in their lineup and the departure of Kyle Higashioka in free agency, no significant roster upgrades have been made. Contracts for Ha-Seong Kim and Jurickson Profar also remain unresolved, with both players likely to leave San Diego.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Padres face the challenge of improving their roster on a reduced budget. Payroll will be trimmed slightly, necessitating shrewd moves to acquire impactful players. A significant factor in their offseason strategy hinges on Japanese superstar Roki Sasaki, expected to enter the international signing market after January 15. The Padres are optimistic about landing Sasaki, which could set off a ripple effect in their roster planning.
If Sasaki signs, trading Dylan Cease becomes a likely scenario. Cease, a durable, cost-effective starter in the final year of his contract, could attract substantial interest. The Padres could also consider moving Michael King but will likely prioritize shedding payroll while addressing roster needs.
Enter the Baltimore Orioles. Following Corbin Burnes’ signing with the Diamondbacks, Baltimore is in need of a top-tier pitcher to bolster their rotation. Cease fits the profile as a borderline ace with the ability to eat innings and rack up strikeouts. While he may not entirely replace Burnes, he could help stabilize the Orioles’ pitching staff.
A potential trade with the Orioles could address the Padres’ desire for multiple assets. Baltimore’s surplus of outfield talent and promising prospects offers the Padres a chance to acquire players under team control. Heston Kjerstad, a left-handed hitter who can also play first base, stands out as a valuable target. Under control through 2030 and not arbitration-eligible until 2028, Kjerstad provides both affordability and upside. His defensive shortcomings in left field may be offset by his offensive potential.
Additionally, Chase McDermott, a power pitcher with a strong curve-slider mix, could be included as a pitching prospect. Though command issues have limited his ceiling, San Diego’s pitching coach Ruben Niebla might unlock his potential. Catcher Blake Hunt, stuck in Triple-A with the Orioles, could round out the deal. Originally drafted by the Padres, Hunt would add depth behind the plate until Ethan Salas is major-league ready.
The proposed trade: Dylan Cease and Eguy Rosario to the Orioles in exchange for Heston Kjerstad, Chase McDermott, Blake Hunt, and a prospect from the DSL League. This move would save the Padres over $10 million in payroll while potentially adding three contributors for 2025. Kjerstad would step into an everyday role, while McDermott and Hunt could provide immediate value in their respective positions.
To stay competitive, the Padres must take calculated risks like this, relying on their scouting to identify under-the-radar talent. Preller’s creative maneuvering will be crucial in transforming high-priced veterans into lower-cost, high-upside players. Expect more strategic deals as the Padres aim to reshape their roster for the future.