Pending free-agent Trevor Rosenthal must return to the Padres
(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
It is a no-brainer to bring back free-agent closer Trevor Rosenthal if you are the San Diego Padres.
There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Trevor Rosenthal enjoyed his time with the Padres in 2020.
His interactions with the fan base via Twitter endeared himself to the locals. From tweeting out his Lolita’s Taco Shop order to professing his love for his teammates- Rosenthal utilized the social media platform correctly and is now a crowd favorite. The pending free-agent would easily be welcomed in the locker room by his teammates if he were to be retained by San Diego.
However, signing Rosenthal to a multiple-year deal could prove to be difficult for the Padres.
Ron Fowler and ownership will need to open up the pocketbooks to sign the right-handed pitcher to a multiple-year deal potentially. This concept is not out of the question, but the Padres may want to allocate funds in a different direction to improve the team. Only time will tell what A.J. Preller and his group have in mind.
Trevor Rosenthal enjoyed one of his most dominant years in a baseball uniform while pitching for the Padres in 2020. In 10 innings pitched, Rosenthal allowed just three hits and one unearned run. He put up a 0.400 WHIP and struck out 17 batters while walking only one hitter all year. The season was cut short due to COVID-19, but the pitcher’s numbers were impressive.
The Padres’ closer saved four games down the stretch and solved an issue for the team. Before the Rosenthal acquisition, the bullpen of the Padres struggled as Kirby Yates was lost for the year, and Emilio Pagan did not enjoy his first taste of National League baseball. The unit was in shambles before Rosenthal, and he helped build the group into a productive presence when the team needed it most.
San Diego can surely utilize the services of Trevor Rosenthal as the team is built to win now. The 2021 season is a great opportunity for the Padres to get back into the playoffs. If they can recapture that magic again- Rosenthal will be essential. At this point, he is a vital signing for the team. Powered by a 100 mph fastball and a fist pump, Rosenthal is the prototypical closer with an attitude to match. Fans would love to celebrate “Trevor Time” once again at Petco Park.
If you are a fan of the game, you really root for Rosenthal. The relief pitcher bet on himself last winter, as he signed a one-year deal with the Royals after a disappointing 2019 season. The native of Missouri will surely want to be paid well and will not be required to take any discount on returning to San Diego.
If the Padres intend to pester the Los Angeles Dodgers and eventually overtake them in the NL West, Rosenthal will be essential. It is time for the franchise to spend again this winter, and Rosenthal should be one of the many acquisitions as the Padres continue to gain the attention of all of MLB.
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.