Padres’ $14 Million All-Star Addresses Trade Rumors
The San Diego Padres have had a busy offseason, with multiple trade discussions swirling around the team as they aim to keep their payroll relatively stable compared to last season. Despite these trade talks, no deals have materialized as Opening Day approaches. When the Padres signed pitcher Nick Pivetta in February, it seemed their rotation was set. Although pitchers Dylan Cease and Michael King were both rumored to be on the trading block, moving either one would leave a gap in the rotation.
Despite this, speculation persists that the Padres could trade a player to reduce payroll. According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, there’s still potential for such a move.
“The Padres could still make a move that will lower payroll, such as trading starting pitcher Dylan Cease or closer Robert Suarez,” Acee reported. “Teams have shown interest in meeting the Padres’ asking price for one of their pitchers. However, sources suggest the Padres are leaning toward keeping their pitching staff intact.”
Though it seems Cease will begin the season in the rotation, another high-paid player, $14 million star Luis Arraez, has also been mentioned in trade rumors.
“I don’t pay attention to that,” Arraez stated, according to MLB.com’s AJ Cassavell. “They can talk about trades, but I’m still here. I’ve got this beautiful uniform. I feel good here. I’m here to play baseball and try to win a World Series.”
Arraez, expected to be the Padres’ full-time first baseman this season, is unlikely to be traded, given his significant role in the team’s plans and the void it would create in the infield if he were moved.
The Padres’ infield is currently set with Arraez at first base, Jake Cronenworth at second, Xander Bogaerts at shortstop, and Manny Machado at third.
Padres’ President of Baseball Operations, A.J. Preller, also expressed the team’s high regard for Arraez.
“Luis knows we value him a ton—after all, we made a significant trade for him,” said Preller. “He knows what we think of him and that we’d love for him to stay here. We’ll see how it plays out.”
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