Quote from BoosterSD on January 21, 2026, 6:36 pm

Even though I was talking about Benge being a part of a bigger trade with the NYM, the point might soon be moot anyway.

It appears that NYM and MIL are fairly engrossed in trade talks for Peralta, a much cheaper option than Pivetta and probably a better bet in not regressing from last season as Pivetta as well. Will have to see how it all plays out.

 

Quote from BoosterSD on January 21, 2026, 6:38 pm

As much as I like Laureano and what he did in SD last season, if NYM were willing to go 1 for 1 for Veintos I think that would be a good idea.

I think we could trust Sheets in LF for a season.

Quote from Commie on January 21, 2026, 6:58 pm

And NYM acquires Peralta for Williams and Sproat.  AJP still on vacation at Bora Bora as there is nothing that needs doing with the SDP. Starting to get pissed off with him. He created the payroll problems with the Xander and Cron signings. Don't extend him fire him.

Quote from fenn68 on January 21, 2026, 8:06 pm

Well the NYM - MILW deals puts an end (probably) to big deals with either of those teams. NYM made out better with the low cost Peralta over Pivetta and MILW ends up with two upside prospects (likely better than what the Padres could offer).

Don't see anything with MILW but not out of the question SD landing Vientos for either Estrada or Laureano.

Quote from Commie on January 21, 2026, 9:03 pm

Quote from fenn68 on January 21, 2026, 8:06 pm

Well the NYM - MILW deals puts an end (probably) to big deals with either of those teams. NYM made out better with the low cost Peralta over Pivetta and MILW ends up with two upside prospects (likely better than what the Padres could offer).

Don't see anything with MILW but not out of the question SD landing Vientos for either Estrada or Laureano.

Thanks for chill post after my rant. Calmed me.

Quote from Randy Manese on January 21, 2026, 9:18 pm

Sproat and Williams closer to the majors than any prospects we could have offered to Milwaukee.  Preller is always available but many of these deals are beyond the trade chips or money he has to work with.

Quote from fenn68 on January 22, 2026, 3:34 am

I guess I am more confident in the current roster making the playoffs (with some MINOR tinkering) than most and even be competitive in the playoffs. In part, even though we focus on the flaws with the Padre roster, not convinced other teams in contention for playoff slots have clearly better rosters. Plus, trade deadline moves can do a lot at a price that may fit the Padre limitations better. Of course the players have to play to their potential ... but that goes for other teams as well.

Want a "better" 5th SP (over Sears) but Pivetta, King, and Musgrove have proven they can be a playoff quality 1-3 and Vasquez pitched keeping the team in contention in his starts ... all topped off with one of the best (if not the best) bullpens (closer) in MLB. That mix is going to set them up to win a lot of games.

Want a 9th bat ... prefer a RHH but not necessarily ... who effectively fills out the bottom of the line-up. Offense should be carried by Machado, Tatis, Merrill supported by hitters (above 100 wRC+ average) in Laureano (for a full season), Sheets, Bogaerts, and Cronenworth. Fermin is the 8th bat as the C but way better hitter than the 2025 Diaz / Maldonado combo. That group of 8 to start the season should be better than last seasons' that made the playoffs. The impact of Song is an unknown.

So, if the Padres just add an "average" SP to replace Sears and an "average" 9th bat to fill out the line-up (or platoon with Song) they should be a better team than the one that made the playoff in 2025.

 

Quote from MrPadre19 on January 22, 2026, 6:05 am

Not a fan of Sproat but Williams will probably become at least an average major league 2B.

Would have liked Peralta to save some $ to use elsewhere....but also think we need to keep our prospects.

If AJ thinks Sheets can play LF everyday then trading Laureano for a SP would be fine...but with only 1 year control we'd still have to give up prospects....unless we could add Matsui or Peralta.

Which contenders need OF/BP that have a SP ready to go they don't want?

My guess....not many

🙂

 

Quote from fenn68 on January 22, 2026, 6:51 am

IF we assume very little wiggle room with payroll and honestly not any major trade chips in the minors (too far away form ML ... no depth in quality from a national view) ... hard to see any deal for a significant SP add since adding a quality SP with a low salary would (even if available) will command some major return pieces.

If a SP with a workable salary in a trade ... expect more like another Vasquez for a RP. More likely add via FA by just waiting out the market and getting a bit of a gamble ... at a "reasonable" contract. May not make a big difference who if just filling out the bottom of the rotation.

At this point would not trade Laureano while still looking for a 9th hitter ... don't need to make another need. Using a RP for the 9th bat seems the more likely route. At least there are some bats that fit the need / limits of the Padres that could be on the market: Vientos, Mountcastle, Mayo, Casas, ...

Supply and demand suggests it will be "easier" to land impact from adding a hitter given cost profile vs a SP.