San Diego Padres: Imagining Renfroe & Prospects for Chris Archer

Walk with me, San Diego Padres fans. Now that there seems to be an odd-man out in the Friars outfield and the fascinating potential of adding a top-line starter, let’s imagine a possible swap for one of the best arms in the game today.

This is most likely a pie-in-the-sky idea, but after confirmed talk of San Diego Padres GM A.J. Preller speaking with the Tampa Bay Rays about starting pitching, and then the dominoes that fell afterward for both clubs, this may not be out of the question.

The Rays designated 28-year-old outfielder Corey Dickerson for assignment over the weekend, after acquiring first-baseman C.J. Cron from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. This was a shocking move, especially considering Dickerson is in the prime of his career and is coming off of his first career All-Star selection.

I saw an intriguing stat on Twitter yesterday. Newly-signed Friars first-baseman Eric Hosmer and Dickerson are the same age. Dickerson has a career OPS+ of 119. Hosmer has a career OPS+ of 111. Take a look below at the always-informative Rich MacLeod’s tweet from Saturday night.

Eric Hosmer, who has a 111 OPS+ for his career, got $144M tonight.

Corey Dickerson, who has a 119 OPS+ for his career, got DFA’d tonight.

(They’re the same age)
— Rich MacLeod (@richmacleod) February 18, 2018

San Diego Padres have to explore the possibility of adding Chris Archer if they haven’t already

Last week we heard from Jim Duquette on MLB Network Radio that the San Diego Padres were indeed speaking with the Tampa Bay Rays regarding their starting pitching. One can only assume that Chris Archer‘s name came up in those conversations but again, we can only assume.

More from Friars on Base

Now that the Friars have secured Eric Hosmer’s signature on an eight-year, $144 million contract, that pushes Wil Myers into the outfield.

That has not created an odd-man-out situation in the Padres outfielder corps. Hunter Renfroe is now slated to move to left-field, with Myers shifting from first base to right.

Jose Pirela would now become a backup outfielder and second-baseman, possibly even platooning with Carlos Asuaje.

San Diego Padres have to at least be thinking about this, right?

Hunter Renfroe is considered to be a huge part of the San Diego Padres future. Friend of Friars on Base, Mickey Koke, had a very interesting take on the debate whether to hold onto Renfroe or to flip him into a more “win-now” sort of player.

You don't trade Renfroe unless you can add pitching that can compete now, or a third baseman upgrade.

Just because teams have interest in players, (like Renfroe/etc.) doesn't mean said team is interested in trading that player.

Obviously potential return is key.
— Mickey Koke (@mickeykoke) February 19, 2018

Mickey’s sentiments echo mine exactly. If the San Diego Padres were inclined to do so, they could try to swing a deal for Chris Archer and the recently-DFA’d Corey Dickerson. Naturally, the return Tampa Bay would be looking to recoup would be immense.

If the Padres were to trade a player with Hunter Renfroe’s obvious capability and (at this point) up-capped potential and include a handful (yes, a handful; this would not be cheap) of the blue-chip prospects they have been hoarding, they could have Mr. Archer atop their rotation and another 2017 All-Star in their lineup come Opening Day.

Next: Where will Padres Be in 2026 When Hosmer Deal Runs Out

Granted, losing a player like Hunter Renfroe would sting. The Friars’ faithful have come to adore him, and the feeling seems to be mutual. But sometimes, sacrifices must be made. Especially when a potentially franchise-changing player or two are within reach.

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