Padres: Why it’s go big or go home this offseason in free agency and trades

The San Diego Padres are expected to be active in the free agent and trade markets this offseason, but their list of targets should be small.

While there is no question the San Diego Padres need to address the starting rotation and outfield this offseason, how they go about it will be key.

The Padres have a lot of talented young players who need time to develop at the Major League level. And they can’t do that if the front office acquires players who are going to block them.

As much as the Padres and Padres’ fans want to win and compete in 2020, they shouldn’t do it at the cost of delaying the development of young players.

This is especially true at second base and in the starting rotation.

Already fans are ready to give up on Luis Urias at second base after just 300 Major League appearances.

This is a guy who was still a top 30 prospect going into the 2019 season.

While I’m not saying I think he’s going to become the superstar many thought he would be, I still want to see him be given a real shot.

Cheri Bell put out an article this week detailing all of the internal options the Padres have for the starting rotation.

Chris Paddack, Joey Lucchesi, and Dinelson Lamet have show flashes of brilliance, but they all need to continue and develop.

The same can be said for Eric Lauer and Cal Quantrill who will be battling for a back of the rotation spot.

And top prospects MacKenzie Gore and Luis Patino could make their debuts in 2020. I wouldn’t want either of them blocked by a veteran in the back of the rotation.

As far as the outfield goes, I think we’ve seen enough from Wil Myers, Manuel Margot, and Hunter Renfroe to know what they’re capable of.