Examining how the Cincinnati Reds and the San Diego Padres match in a potential trade this winter.

At this point, the San Diego Padres need help with their roster.

There is plenty of star power on the team, but the tail end of the 26-man roster will need assistance.

Specifically, the team requires pitching depth in the rotation. Nick Pivetta, Joe Musgrove, and Michael King solidify the unit, but beyond that, there are question marks. On top of that, there is no pitching prospect on the verge of major league service time. At least, no obvious one.

The Padres also require some financial flexibility to fill out the rest of the offense.

Players like Jake Croneworth ($12.285 million for 2026), Yuki Matsui ($5.75 million for 2026), and Wandy Peralta ($4.45 million for 2026) make sense as the Padres attempt to purge some payroll from the 2026 roster. With saved cash, they could sign multiple players as spring training nears.

The Cincinnati Reds are an interesting franchise for the Padres to talk trade with. The Reds have multiple starting pitchers, and they may be looking for bullpen help. Jake Cronenworth also makes sense to some degree as the Reds look for a left-handed, middle-of-the-lineup bat.

Let’s take a look at both sides and see where a deal makes sense.

There is a lot to like about what each team can provide the other.

Padres needs

The Reds are loaded with starting pitching right now. Inexpensive. Team controlled pitchers. That is exactly what the Padres need.

Hunter Greene is the only pitcher who is due to be paid decently for the next few seasons. He is due around $40 million for the next three seasons, and then the Reds own a team option for $21 million in 2029. It remains to be seen if the Reds would even consider dealing their homegrown ace. His contract is really team friendly.

Behind Greene, Brady Singer is in the last year of his contract and due for free agency after the 2026 season. The Padres may not be interested in a rental, but Singer is a decent option for the Padres as they seek an innings eater. The right-handed pitcher has thrown at least 153 innings in the last four seasons. His price tag wouldn’t be too extravagant.

The Reds also have young, talented pitcher Chase Burns, who seems destined for a top spot in the rotation. Burns debuted last season and recorded 67 strikeouts in 43 innings. The Reds would never deal him at this point, but his arrival makes pitchers like Nick Lodolo and Andrew Abbott expendable.

Abbott is coming off a career year in which the lefty went 10-7 with a 2.87 ERA, 1.148 WHIP, and a WAR of 5.6. The 26-year-old made his first All-Star game and established himself in the league. Lodolo is also left-handed and went 9-8 last year with a 3.33 ERA and a 1.079 WHIP in 28 starts. He recorded a 4.9 WAR for the Reds and will be 28 years old next season.

Lodolo has two years of service time left, while Abbott has four years under contract. They are both valuable pitchers, so why would the Reds deal them?

They have Burns ready for major league service time, and they also have Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar, who are ready to pitch in the majors. Rhett Lowder and Chase Petty also threw in Triple-A this last season, and each is a top 10 prospect in the system. The Reds have more pitching on the way. It may be time to flip a relevant major league pitcher for talent.

Reds needs

The Reds’ needs are in the bullpen and with their everyday lineup.

Jake Cronenworth makes sense. The Reds recently dealt Gavin Lux away after a disappointing year with the team. A left-handed presence at second base would be enticing to Cincinnati.

There is a lot to like about the consistency Cronenworth has shown in one of the worst ballparks to play (Petco Park) in the league as far as offense is concerned.

Matt McClain is penciled in at second base for the Reds. Sal Stewart may also play the position. The Reds are still working out the details. The right side of the infield is set with Elly De La Cruz and Ke ‘Bryan Hayes manning third base and shortstop. Cronenworth fits, but only if the Reds are enamored with his upside. Playing half his game in Cincinnati would surely boost his offensive numbers.

The San Diego Padres bullpen is stout. They could assist the Reds in strengthening their unit.

Jeremiah Estrada makes sense as he is under team control through the 2029 season and is blessed with terrific stuff. The Reds have Emilio Pagan at the closer spot, and they signed Pierce Johnson this winter, but there is no doubt they need upgrades. Yuki Matsui and Wandy Peralta also make sense for the Reds, as each southpaw was productive in 2025 and would boost the Reds’ bullpen.

The Padres also have Tirso Ornelas and Luis Campusano as possible players of interest for the Reds. Campusano could team with Tyler Stephenson to form a formidable tandem. Ornelas may take off in a new system, as it appears his time in San Diego is coming to an end. Neither player made much of a mark in the majors last season, and each is ready for a shot at the highest level. It just doesn’t look like the Padres will be that team to give them the opportunity.

The Padres have the trade chips to get a deal done. If Cincy is ready to move some pitching, these two sides do match up well.

The verdict

It will come down to the determination of value.

Do the Reds like Jake Cronenworth? He is due that $12.85 salary for the next four seasons. They would need to be confident that he will provide value for the entirety of the contract. Croneworth is a Midwest guy, playing his college ball at Michigan. He may blossom even further in Cincinnati. The ballpark will surely help his numbers.

The Padres have relief pitchers like Jeremiah Estrada and Adrian Morejon who would be of great use to the Reds. The Padres may not be inclined to deal Morejon, but if push comes to shove and the right deal comes along- anything can happen. A.J. Preller is not one to shy away from a potential trade if it makes sense.

In the coming weeks, expect the Reds to continue to shop their starting pitching depth. The Padres are not the only team that would be interested in a starter like Lodolo or Abbott.

These two teams match well, but it will come down to an agreement of value.

Keep an eye on this situation.

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.