The Padres Are Reportedly Still Talking Big Trades, Even At This Late Date

We are officially one week from Opening Day at Wrigley Field, which means that trades (of any significance) at this point in the game are going to be extremely difficult to pull off — and that’s even considering the unique circumstances of the offseason. HOWEVER, these Padres trades rumors just won’t go away, and given how often the Cubs have been involved in these rumors over the last calendar year, we must discuss.

With that said, the latest rumors have a slightly different flavor than just the prospect-selling, cash-saving deals involving Eric Hosmer (though that’s still mentioned). Check out the following from Dennis Lin of The Athletic:

Relatively speaking, the easiest solution could be another trade or two. League sources say the Padres are open to discussing their catchers, with four on their 40-man roster, and some of their starting pitching depth. And with Luke Voit, Profar and Beaty all options at first base, San Diego continues to explore potential trades involving Eric Hosmer.

You can read the full article for greater detail, but in short, the Padres never quite landed the big outfield bat they were seeking all offseason and they’re still unhappy with their outfield mix. So now, in addition to still exploring trades involving Eric Hosmer (they’re still just $6M away from the luxury tax and they do not intend to go over), they’re also seeking more significant help in the outfield, potentially dealing from their catching glut (Austin Nola, Victor Caratini, Jorge Alfaro, Luis Campusano) and pitching depth.

The Cubs have been involved in the Eric Hosmer rumors, specifically, all offseason and at the last trade deadline, though they also have a crowded outfield picture (Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Clint Frazier, Jason Heyward, Michael Hermosillo, and Rafael Ortega), that could potentially line up with San Diego. Andrelton Simmons’ injury and the expanded active roster may have bought the Cubs some time in the outfield, but they could still be forced to squeeze one guy out prematurely.

Rafael Ortega might be the easiest player for the Cubs to move at this point, and he could potentially help at multiple spots across the outfield, but for as much as we like his potential, he’s certainly a lower-tier/riskier bet than the Padres are likely seeking.

Indeed, one report revealed that the Padres have actually engaged in trade talks with the Pirates over All-Star outfielder Bryan Reynolds. And what do you know …

UPDATE: Kevin Acee did seem to push back on the Reynolds talk being *new* or progressing, but did seem to confirm that the conversation(s) took place.

Now, a deal for Reynolds, 27, who slashed .302/.390/.522 (142 wRC+) last season and isn’t a free agent until after 2025 would cost a LOT more than dealing from catching or pitching depth, but the Padres still do have a lot of cheap, young assets that could interest the Pirates and are clearly in go-for-it mode. And for as close as we are to the regular season, Padres President A.J. Preller did once complete a trade for Craig Kimbrel the day before Opening Day … and that was in a normal offseason environment.

But the bottom line here is the Padres are still active in the trade market, still seeking cash relief via Eric Hosmer, and still want a significant outfield bat. Given the prior Cubs connection, their crowded outfield picture, and their shared-division with the Pirates/Bryan Reynolds, this all bears close monitoring.

written by

Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

more cubs news

Justin Steele Injury Update: New Classification, MRI Tomorrow, IL Stint Coming? Steele and Counsell Speak

A significant update on Justin Steele came from Craig Counsell tonight after the Cubs extra innings loss in Texas. In short: Yes, a stint on the Injured List is likely for Justin Steele. But we still don't know how severe...

Enhanced Box Score: Rangers 4, Cubs 3 – March 28, 2024

It took exactly one day for the Cubs' ace to sustain what may be a significant injury, for their closer to blow a save, for the umpires to significantly impact the outcome of a critical play (this time in the...

OMG: Michael Busch Scored the 9th Inning, GO-AHEAD Run, Because He Just Never Stopped Running

That was absolutely incredible. To all the little kids out there, when your coach tells you to never stop running, this is why. Rookie Cubs 1B Michael Busch (the guy the Cubs got from the Dodgers this offseason to be...

Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Rangers – Lineups, Pitching Matchup, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

*SHORT COURTS: It's Time To Bring The Home Court, Home! Looking for a unique way to celebrate your athlete or team before you peruse the FIRST CHICAGO CUBS LINEUP of the Year? Don't miss out! For just one more week...

The Cubs Are Among the Most Returning-y Teams

I am still mostly incapacitated at the moment, so apologies for the short shrift on such an otherwise blessed day. In between pokes and prods, I wanted to share a chart I saw that was pretty interesting, even if unsurprising:...

Maybe the Cubs Are the Favorites in the NL Central, After All?

ESPN was the first to throw some love the Cubs way this week, with an overwhelming majority of their writers, analysts, and editors picking the Chicago Cubs to win the NL Central in 2024. But the love doesn't end there....

The Season Begins, Love for Morel, Counsell’s Value, and Other Cubs Bullets

You know where you want to spend your Opening Day morning? The hospital! Suffice to say, this is not how I imagined getting HYPED for the Cubs' opener. I guess I'll just have to think about all the possible lineup...

Cubs vs Rangers: The First Series of the Year!

Cubs vs Rangers — THE REGULAR SEASON IS HERE! Wake up and rejoice. Later tonight, the Cubs will begin their march toward October Baseball against the (reigning World Series champion) Texas Rangers in Arlington. Justin Steele is getting the nod...

The 2024 Chicago Cubs for Dummies

Boom. We made it. The offseason is over, and the Cubs regular season - and those elevated expectations - begins tomorrow. But in case you slept through the winter, I'm here to catch you up on everything you need to...

I’m Expecting More This Year, Cubs — It’s Time to Start Winning

There's no way around it: The Chicago Cubs did *not* have the offseason we hoped they might after making Craig Counsell the highest paid manager in MLB history. Not that they did poorly, mind you. Cody Bellinger, Shota Imanaga, and...

Latest News

Diamondbacks vs. Rockies: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

In their season opener on Friday, Corbin Carroll and the Arizona Diamondbacks take on Nolan Jones and the Colorado Rockies, with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at Chase Field.Keep reading to find out how to watch the Arizona-Colorado...

Guardians vs. Athletics: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

Logan Allen will take the mound for the Cleveland Guardians when they square off against starter Ross Stripling and the Oakland Athletics in their season opener on Friday, with first pitch at 9:40 PM ET.Find out how to watch the...

How to Watch Mariners vs. Red Sox: Live Stream or on TV

In their season opener on Friday, Julio Rodriguez and the Seattle Mariners play Rafael Devers and the Boston Red Sox, with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at T-Mobile Park.Keep reading to see how to watch the Seattle-Boston matchup...

How to Watch Padres vs. Giants: Live Stream or on TV

On Friday, the San Diego Padres (2-1) take on Jorge Soler and the San Francisco Giants (0-1), with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at PETCO Park.Keep reading to find out how to watch the San Diego-San Francisco matchup...

How to Watch Dodgers vs. Cardinals: Live Stream or on TV

The Los Angeles Dodgers (2-1) host Paul Goldschmidt and the St. Louis Cardinals (0-1) on Friday, with first pitch at 10:10 PM ET.Keep reading to see how to watch the Los Angeles-St. Louis matchup below.When is Dodgers vs. Cardinals and...

OMG: Michael Busch Scored the 9th Inning, GO-AHEAD Run, Because He Just Never Stopped Running

That was absolutely incredible. To all the little kids out there, when your coach tells you to never stop running, this is why. Rookie Cubs 1B Michael Busch (the guy the Cubs got from the Dodgers this offseason to be...

Astros vs. Yankees: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The New York Yankees (1-0), led by Juan Soto, visit Kyle Tucker and the Houston Astros (0-1) at 8:10 PM ET on Friday.Find out how to watch the Houston-New York matchup below.When is Astros vs. Yankees and when does it...

How to Watch Rays vs. Blue Jays: Live Stream or on TV

The Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) visit Yandy Diaz and the Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) on Friday, with first pitch at 6:50 PM ET.Keep reading to see how to watch the Tampa Bay-Toronto matchup below.When is Rays vs. Blue Jays and...

Enhanced Box Score: Rangers 4, Cubs 3 – March 28, 2024

It took exactly one day for the Cubs' ace to sustain what may be a significant injury, for their closer to blow a save, for the umpires to significantly impact the outcome of a critical play (this time in the...

Justin Steele Injury Update: New Classification, MRI Tomorrow, IL Stint Coming? Steele and Counsell Speak

A significant update on Justin Steele came from Craig Counsell tonight after the Cubs extra innings loss in Texas. In short: Yes, a stint on the Injured List is likely for Justin Steele. But we still don't know how severe...

more cubs news