Preller hoped to use a trade or mid-tier free agency to plug a number of gaps in San Diego’s roster going into February. Above all, the squad needed to improve its lineup and depth of starting pitchers.
Payroll has been a problem. The Padres are working at last season’s budget, restricting Preller’s ability to pursue key free agents or pull off swaps that don’t send money back. Fans are still waiting for a noteworthy addition, despite his reputation for inventiveness.
While Gonzales may not be the type of superstar needed to match the firepower of teams like the Mets and Dodgers, he offers a cost-effective move that hints at where Preller’s focus may lie.
The Twins have allegedly shown interest in trading outfielder Byron Buxton, while the Nationals have reportedly listened to offers on shortstop C.J. Abrams throughout the past week. A lineup that already has Jackson Merrill, Manny Machado, and Fernando Tatis Jr. at the top would benefit greatly from the addition of both All-Stars.
Preller may be saving assets for a big offensive deal, possibly involving Abrams or Buxton, if he is going cheap when it comes to pitching. The recent arrival of Samad Taylor further reinforces that idea.
The last significant roster requirement, aside from pitching and lineup pop, was bench depth. Taylor’s youth, speed, and affordability seem to put him in a position to fill the right-handed bench spot for the Padres, who had previously been linked to veterans like Paul Goldschmidt and Justin Turner.
Preller is unlikely to sign another minor league player to improve the starting lineup if Gonzales is the last pitcher to be added and Taylor completes the bench picture. There are just no impact position players available at that price. A move will be necessary if San Diego is serious about improving offensively.
The argument between Buxton and Abrams starts there. They both have a high floor because of their athleticism on the bases and in the field. Although Buxton has a longer track record, his injury history is more worrisome. Both players still have three seasons of control, but Abrams is still eligible for arbitration and Buxton is owed almost $45 million over that time.
Preller will ultimately have to choose the most economical course of action. Any transaction would probably need at least one of Kruz Schoolcraft or Ethan Salas, and preferably not much more, given a capped payroll and a farm system limited to just one top-100 prospect.
San Diego’s offseason has been quiet, but this week saw two noteworthy additions from the front office. With two roster holes closed on the budget market, the next move has to come in the form of a huge trade.
