In a quest for starting pitchers, Reds LHP Nick Lodolo makes a ton of sense for the Padres. 

There is no doubt that the San Diego Padres need starting pitchers.

Not just men who can toe the rubber in 2025, but pitchers who are signed for the next few seasons.

Michael King and Dylan Cease are set to be free agents next winter, and there is no guarantee that either will re-sign with the Padres. The ownership group is close to its maximum when it comes to payroll, and without Peter Seidler at the helm, future spending is questionable. Factor in that Yu Darvish‘s age and the health of Joe Musgrove and the Padres have definite question marks.

Matt Waldron, Bryan Hoeing, Jhony Brito, and Randy Vasquez are capable of eating innings in 2025, but each comes with question marks.

The Padres will be looking for more arms to compete this spring, and a left-handed pitcher from the Reds makes a ton of sense.

Nick Lodolo is penciled in as the Reds’ number-four starter. The 26-year-old started 21 games last season and posted a 4.76 ERA in 115.1 innings pitched. The tall lefty struck out 122 in that time while walking 37 batters. The native of California comes at hitters with an unorthodox delivery. There are a lot of moving parts in his mechanics.

The best thing about Lodolo for the Padres is that he is under team control for the next three seasons.

In his career at the major league level, injuries have been an issue for the funky left-hander. Thankfully, the majority of his issues have been minor and occurred in the lower half of the body. His arm has remained relatively healthy. Lodolo missed time last year due to blister issues on his throwing hand. But, nothing major on his record.

Why would the Reds consider trading him?

Cincinnati acquired Brady Singer this week from the Royals, and the team is loaded with pitching depth.

Hunter Greene, Singer, Nick Martinez, Andrew Abbott, Graham Ashcraft, and Rhett Lowder give the Reds a formidable staff. Cincinnati could choose to trade pitching now in an effort to upgrade in other areas. Lodolo has been frustrating to the Reds, and they may just decide to walk away and focus elsewhere.

The Padres do not have the outfield depth that the Reds covet, but Tirso Ornelas makes some sense for the Reds. The longtime prospect alone would not get a deal done from the Reds’ perspective. The Padres would need to ante up and pay more. Maybe Luis Campusano makes sense for Cincinnati. This catcher has an upside but has seemingly fallen out of favor with the Padres. The Padres also have some pitching prospects that make some sense as a return for the Reds.

The two sides can bicker about the asking price, but the Padres could surely pay it. Lodolo would not cost an arm and a leg, given his inability to stay healthy and pitch consistently at the major league level. The Padres are not shy about trading and would surely pay the prospect capital that is required to consummate a deal.

One way or another, the Padres will need to acquire some starting pitching. Nick Lodolo makes sense.

A.J. Preller is on the prowl, and anything can happen. We will see.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.