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2026 Padre Season
#221 · June 25, 2026, 10:29 am
The trade deadline is still 5 weeks away and the Padres remain on the cusp of a playoff slot ... so not a sense of urgency to make trade but probably time to start speculating on potential trade options (pretty sure the Padres ML scouting guys are already making evaluations).
Since another SP who eats innings and is at least "decent" is my target ... and also in my mind potentially available at a "reasonable" price knowing that about every other contender also wants SP.
Two names could be possible IF KC (well out of contention) starts to sell ... Lugo or Wacha. Both are "older", both are on multi-year deals, both are arguably costly for a small market club such as KC who are not likely to contend during those contracts. A set-up for a trade for prospects.
IF the Padres truly do have some payroll flexibility and as I see it need to not only need to boost the staff for 2026 but also 2027 they may find these guys a fit and eating all their salaries would appeal to KC.
Wacha (34) ... 3.46 ERA in 16 starts (101 innings) basically giving 6 innings per start. Padres would pick up about $9MM in 2026 then $14MM in 2027 then a club option for $14MM. Some risk at this age and injury history.
Lugo (36) ... 3.69 ERA in 15 starts (85 innings) giving just under 6 innings per start. Padres would pick up about $11MM in 2026 the $21MM in 2027 followed by a 2028 Vesting Option (going to be hard based on innings) that converts to a $17MM club option or a $3MM buyout. Age also a concern here.
Both worked successfully with Niebla so could be a comfortable transition to SD. Both might fly under the radar of other teams wanting to buy but at the last minute or don't want the multi-year commitment.
What would make sense for BOTH the Padres and KC to get a deal (if you want such a deal)?
#222 · June 25, 2026, 5:06 pm
Cronenworth starts his rehab at EL Paso ... Waldron makes a rehab start today.
Timing on Cronenworth's rehab (max 20 days) will be complete during the All-Star break and could be back after. A reasonable time for Preller to be working other deals to adjust the roster if not waiting until the trade deadline. Same goes for Waldron who gets 30 days as a pitcher.
Note that on Marquez they have to make the call I think by June 2 since he has been on rehab assignment longer (unless they had some way to play with the timetable).
#223 · June 26, 2026, 12:49 pm
The Padres and infielder Luis Rengifo are in agreement on a minor league contract, reports Dennis Lin of The Athletic. Rengifo, a client of Evolv Sports Management, was released by the Brewers earlier this week after being designated for assignment.
#224 · June 26, 2026, 1:27 pm
Quote from fenn68 on June 26, 2026, 12:49 pmThe Padres and infielder Luis Rengifo are in agreement on a minor league contract, reports Dennis Lin of The Athletic. Rengifo, a client of Evolv Sports Management, was released by the Brewers earlier this week after being designated for assignment.
He had a good run from 2022-24 where he hit lefties especially well. If he can recapture some of that form he could make for a solid platoon partner for Cronenworth or Wagner. That would also let Song go back to the minors for further development. If nothing else he provides experienced depth. I'm not expecting much, but I like the signing.
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#225 · June 27, 2026, 10:48 am
Cronenworth began his rehab stint at Triple-A El Paso with a HR and a double.
What will be the corresponding move when he returns? I would think that Bowen is the obvious choice.
#226 · June 27, 2026, 12:47 pm
Quote from ultratvfan on June 27, 2026, 10:48 amCronenworth began his rehab stint at Triple-A El Paso with a HR and a double.
What will be the corresponding move when he returns? I would think that Bowen is the obvious choice.
Bowen is clearly over matched offensively but does provide some 4th OF defense and PR skills.
Would not rule out Wagner being optioned. He has had a couple decent ABs but stepping back his BA and SLG are poor ... but he does take walks. Defense is so-so with Song coming in defensively in a few games. Padres may prefer to switch out LHH for LHH and 2B for 2B.
Do think Bowen is a a short lease and likely Preller is looking for a 4th OF type as a bench upgrade. Sheets and Andujar can go to the OF ... but not ideal.
#227 · June 29, 2026, 4:21 pm
Saw the Padres on the short list as a possibility for Byron Buxton.
I worry about his injury history but….he’s controlled thru 2028 at $15 mil per year.
Thats extremely affordable for what he brings when healthy.
#228 · June 30, 2026, 1:29 am
Cronenworth picks up right where he left off..... yikes......
If the Pads can't move him this off season ( or before!), I'd let Jake know he's going to be our super utility guy going forward. In that same vein, I'd start giving Samad Taylor some run at 2B, his natural position. If the guy can defend the keystone and provide a little bit of a spark on offense, we're a better team.
#229 · June 30, 2026, 1:34 am
Does Andujar have ANY value at all? Would someone give us a lower level prospect for him, should he continue to be just an average hitter? I assume some team that thinks they have a shot would take a flyer on a decent MLB bat for a youngster 3 or 4 years away?
That would allow France to get ALL the AB's from the DH spot. And allow Sheets to play 1B every day. We really need to see if he can be that guy whilst he's still under control.
That would just leave LF to fill for next year.
The GM can then concentrate on building a new starting rotation.
#230 · June 30, 2026, 2:44 am
Quote from MrPadre19 on June 29, 2026, 4:21 pmSaw the Padres on the short list as a possibility for Byron Buxton.
I worry about his injury history but….he’s controlled thru 2028 at $15 mil per year.
Thats extremely affordable for what he brings when healthy.
Doubt MINN trades him but if they did ... hard to see the Padres having the trade chips to outbid the others that would be trying to deal for him. 2 1/2 years of Buxton at a bargain $15MM comes at a steep prospect price.