Internal and external options for the San Diego Padres 2020 rotation

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CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 21: Zack Wheeler #45 of the New York Mets pitches during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on September 21, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bryan Woolston/Getty Images) /

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In order to not rent a pitcher for only one or two years and allow all these young studs to develop, AJ Preller should attempt to sign or trade for a veteran that will be controllable for two to four seasons. Especially if they are serious about contending for the next decade.

The following is a list of the possible starters to target to upgrade the pitching staff and provide the young core time and opportunity to develop.

Trade Candidates

Miami’s Sandy Alcantara: 23 years old and 197.1 IP in 2019 with a 3.88 ERA. As the Marlins don’t look to be competitive soon, trading for Alcantara in exchange for some prospects might be attractive to Miami.

Detroit’s Matthew Boyd: 28 years old and 185.1 IP in 32 games started.

Toronto’s Marcus Stroman: 28 years old with 184.1 IP and a reputation for quality starts.

Arizona’s Robbie Ray: 27 years old and 174.1 IP. Although the Dbacks are in our division, a tempting load of prospects might persuade them to deal.

Colorado’s Jon Gray: 27 years old with 150 IP in 25 games started. Colorado should be in rebuilding mode and the Padres have major and minor league talent that could tempt them.

Mets Jacob DeGrom or Noah Syndegaard: Both are quality front line starters but the Mets are looking to compete themselves and it would take a lot to tempt them to part with either one.

Free Agents

Zack Wheeler: 29 yearns old and 195.1 IP in 2019. With Stephen Strasburg and Gerrit Cole hitting free agency this offseason, Wheeler is regarded as a second-tier free agent. Still a quality front line pitcher, the Padres would be wise to kick the tires with his agent to see if a deal can be achieved.

Dallas Keuchel: After asking for too much last offseason, it is hopeful that Keuchel will be more realistic this year and choose to sign a reasonable contract so that he can pitch an entire season next year.

Madison Bumgarner and Hyun-Jin Ryu: Both are older than what the Padres should be looking for but either could be helpful especially if a younger, front line starter can’t be obtained.

Any of these pitchers could help the Padres in 2020 and they definitely need depth and quality to complement the young starters they currently are developing.

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It will be fascinating to see what Preller and his team accomplishes this offseason to supplement not only the starting staff but the other needs on the roster to make this a competitive team for the 2020 season.

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