San Diego Padres AM Talk: Hot Stove Set Ablaze

San Diego Padres AM Talk: How this weekend’s movement and rumors could impact the Friars.

Good Monday morning, San Diego! This past weekend was quiet, as far as the San Diego Padres are concerned, however, there was a blockbuster trade agreed upon and many major rumors from around the league. None of these rumors directly involve the San Diego Padres, but many of them could have a big impact on how the Padres attack the rest of the offseason.

First, let’s look at what is happening on the pitching front, the most notable need for San Diego. The blockbuster trade between Seattle and New York appears to be done, except for final formalities and physicals, and is expected to be announced this afternoon, per Joel Sherman.

This is a “win now” move for the Mets who aren’t giving up the headlines anytime soon during the hot stove season. The organization is now in the mix for Cleveland Indians starter and two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber. San Diego has been in the thick of the Noah Syndergaard trade rumors, but is this idea still a possibility? If New York does acquire Corey Kluber, the Mets could feel more confident in moving Syndergaard to fill out the rest of their lineup, which could mean a package with outfielder Manuel Margot and catcher Austin Hedges would be likely (as previously reported). As New York Post writer Mike Puma points out, the Mets are “prioritizing defense [and] pitch framing.”

Tampa Bay Times’ Marc Topkin notes that the Rays could also now be in the mix for Syndergaard. With a farm system nearly as deep as the Padres and many of their top prospects at or very close to the majors, Tampa could be a serious player if they decide to be aggressive and take on an AL East division that will once again be a daunting task to conquer.

Elsewhere, Zack Greinke revealed the 15 teams (link from The Athletic, requires subscription) he would not waive his no-trade clause for and it included the San Diego Padres.

More from Friars on Base

• Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr. trade rumors, Seth Lugo chase, Manny Machado
• Padres barely missed out on high-end veteran starting pitcher
• This veteran DH target seems ideal for contending Padres roster
• Padres got steal with Xander Bogaerts after Carlos Correa’s mega-deal
• Failed Padres top prospect makes stunning return with minor league deal

Yusei Kikuchi is drawing “strong interest” from the Padres, Dodgers, Giants, and Mariners. The Japanese star has been linked to the Padres since last offseason and, other than some injury concerns, brings with him a lot of big potential to a major league starting rotation. San Diego already swooped in on LA’s deal with Garrett Richards and signed him to a two-year/$15.5 million deal, can AJ Preller grab another pitcher away from the Dodgers?

On the non-pitching front, any potential deal with the Mariners for All-Star shortstop Jean Segura is done. Mariners beat writer for the Seattle Times Ryan Divish and USA Today’s Bob Nightengale are reporting that Seattle and Philadelphia have agreed to a deal that would send Segura to the Phillies for Carlos Santana and J.P. Crawford. The Padres were rumored to have been in on Segura and Mike Leake.

The Winter Meetings are still a week away and a fresh batch of free agents were just added to the pool over the weekend, meaning there is still plenty of time for AJ Preller and the San Diego Padres to make big moves which would make this team better. But will these potential moves be made?