Mon, 19 Oct, 2026, 07:30 pm
Reported by Yahoo Sports
San Diego has several players crucial to its late-season stretch set to hit free agency in the coming weeks. If it wants to have a season on par with last, or gear up for a lengthier run in the postseason, President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller has his work cut out for him this winter.
Preller's priority this offseason has to be bringing in starting pitching. Michael King can opt out of his deal, Nick Pivetta has a club option for 2027, and trade deadline acquisitions Casey Mize and Robbie Ray are hitting the open market alongside Walker Buehler. Essentially, the Padres' starting rotation at this current moment is a complete unknown.
Even assuming King and Pivetta are brought back, that still leaves the rotation with at least two open spots left from departing starters in 2027 . With their glaring need for help, it's no surprise Bleacher Report chose a move for a starting pitcher as the Padres' most likely trade of their offseason.
Specifically, the BR article named Tampa Bay Rays' right-hander Drew Rasmussen as the 'prime target'. Rasmussen has been one of baseball's best since the turn of the decade, and he has one more season before hitting free agency himself, assuming the Rays pick up his $20 million option for 2027.
