Upgrading on the free agent market with three former Padres

Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

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Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Padres may be able to secure three former players who are all free agents this winter. 

Undoubtedly, the San Diego Padres will sign players in the coming weeks.

Elias Diaz signed with the Padres this week for $3.5 million, as the need for catching was glaring on the roster. Luis Campusano, Martin Maldonado, and Diaz are nothing to write home about, but this trio may be able to handle the position until Ethan Salas is ready in a season or two. Well, that’s the Padres hope.

The catcher’s position may be solidified slightly, but there are other issues on the Padres roster.

Left field and the DH position are two issues the team may address very soon. The Padres may also explore a first baseman in order to allow Luis Arraez to play the DH position. There are rumors that the team is eying Connor Joe as he native of San Diego looks for work this spring.

The Padres need offense, and luckily, several veterans are looking for work who will not break the bank. The Padres may also need starting pitching, as the latest rumors have the Padres exploring the idea of trading Dylan Cease and/or Michael King. Both are free agents at the end of the season.

Here is a look at three former Friars and how they fit with the team in 2025.

 

Ty France

This Aztec for life was a fan favorite in his tenure with the Padres. Tony Gwynn coached France at SDSU, and the city of San Diego holds a special place in the heart of this native Californian. France is 30 years old and coming off his worst season in the majors. He produced a .670 OPS in 140 games with the Mariners and Reds last year. Since being traded to Seattle in 2020, France’s numbers have declined yearly. Because of this, he has had little interest in the open market this winter.

France could be secured for a minimal deal with incentives for the Padres. He is young enough to return to form and will likely not be any more motivated in his professional career. France is capable of playing first base or DH’ing. His days as a second baseman or third baseman are probably over. His price is the most enticing factor for the Padres. He may even be able to be secured on a minor league deal. If he had a productive spring, France could very well be serviceable to the Padres this coming season.

 

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Cal Quantrill

Quantrill would likely be the most expensive of this trio of former Padres. It is a wonder he has not signed thus far this winter, as the soon-to-be 30-year-old pitcher still looks to have something left in the tank. Quantrill threw for the Rockies last season and suffered there, but that is understandable. Hardly anyone pitches effectively in that market. He put up a 4.98 ERA last season in 29 starts and 148.1 innings pitched. The righty ate innings for the Rockies, which is valuable to the Padres.

Quantrill is only two years removed from a solid year in Cleveland, where he went 15-5 with a 3.38 ERA and a 1.208 WHIP. During that 2022 season, Quantrill pitched in 186.1 innings and made all 32 starts for the Guardians. Coming off a down year in Colorado, a one or two-year deal would suffice for the Padres. Something with a base salary and incentives would be positive for both sides. The Padres do not need Quantrill to be an ace, but he would be a more palatable arm at the tail end of the rotation than what the Padres currently have in their stable.

 

Anthony Rizzo 

When you think of former Padres, Anthony Rizzo doesn’t exactly come to mind first. The left-handed veteran would provide some stability to the Padres and a much-needed left-handed bat in the lineup. Rizzo is capable at first base and is coming off a down year with the Yankees. Because of this, his price tag would not be outrageous. At 35, his best days are clearly behind him. However, a veteran bat off the bench who can spot start against some right-handed pitchers may be beneficial for the Padres.

Rizzo is not an everyday player, but that is not really what the Padres would require. He is a significant locker-room presence and would help take some of the pressure off the younger players on the roster. Getting out of New York may very well help Rizzo’s production. Do not expect a return to All-Star form, but a productive season is very well possible. Rizzo gives quality at-bats and generally is capable of getting on base at a decent clip. For his price tag, the risk may very well be worth it for the Padres.

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