A series of trades may happen soon which could shape the future roster for the San Diego Padres. 

The San Diego Padres offseason has been brutal.

There is no sugar coating it.

Between ownership drama and the loss of Roki Sasaki, Padres fans are up in arms.

In recent weeks, rumors are swirling that the Padres are exploring the idea of trading veteran players. Men who are valuable to the roster. Michael King and Dylan Cease are the latest to witness their names all over social media. From the Mets to the Braves, to the Cubs, everyone seems willing to take on these pitchers. And why not?

Both Cease and King are in the final year of their contract and will be a bargain this year in terms of payroll. Each pitcher is considered a top-of-the-order hurler and those are few and far between. But why would the Padres even consider trading them?

The sad reality is they cannot afford them.

Well, not in the long run.

Each pitcher will likely sign a $100 million deal or more this coming winter and the Padres simply cannot pay them. One of the duo may be able to be secured by the Padres. but a signing would create a trickledown effect on others. Luis Arraez is also in the last year of his contract and may be dealt. Robert Suarez is another option as the closer is set to make $10 million in 2025.

One way or another, it appears the Padres will slash payroll somewhere. But it goes beyond cutting payroll as the Padres know this is a great opportunity to deal any of these four players for decent value. King, Cease, and Arraez will all likely fetch a compensation pick if the Padres kept them the whole season and allowed them to leave via free agency. But the feeling is to get value now for a team whose competitive window is open.

Despite what you think this is not the end of the world for the Padres.

Dealing these veteran players for young, controllable players may be very fruitful for the Padres. In trading Cease, King, Arraez, or Suarez, the Padres are expected to obtain several young players. The idea is that playoff teams would be willing to mortgage players of unknown value for men who come with a pedigree of success.

For Padres fans, dealing all-star level players for youth reminds most of the dark days of the organization. But Preller’s skill in evaluating young players is a good thing. The Padres are capable of landing several future all-stars in a series of trades. Replacing any of these four men is a difficult task, but not insurmountable.

The next few weeks could get very interesting in San Diego as the team solidifies their roster for 2025.

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. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the 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.