4 biggest questions for San Diego Padres this offseason

Can they get a frontline starter?

There is no doubt that the biggest question facing the Padres this offseason is whether or not they can add a frontline starter to an up-and-coming but talented starting rotation.

Chris Paddack, Garrett Richards, Dinelson Lamet, Joey Lucchesi, Eric Lauer, and Cal Quantrill already give the Padres a very strong foundation for the starting rotation going into 2020.

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But they need someone atop the rotation to lead them and there are some great names available this offseason.

Of course, the biggest names available are Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg.

You can just about go ahead and count out Cole who could demand over $250 million.

But the hype train for Stephen Strasburg is in full swing, especially after the front office hinted towards going after him.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, it could take $180 million for the Padres to bring the San Diego native home.

Over six years that comes to around $30 million a year.

They’re already paying Manny Machado $32 million a year, so it’s hard to see half of the payroll going to two players.

But having the World Series MVP would certainly make the Padres contenders in 2020.

Outside of Strasburg, pitchers like Zack Wheeler, Madison Bumgarner, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dallas Keuchel, and Cole Hamels certainly fit the mold of a veteran starter to lead a young rotation.

Getting at least one of these guys would legitimize the Padres going into 2020, and I certainly think it will be the biggest question that needs answering this offseason.