Mets’ Peralta trade is a harsh reminder of where the Padres are most vulnerable

What was widely expected became inevitable on Wednesday, as the Milwaukee Brewers traded their ace, Freddy Peralta, away. The two-time All-Star was shipped to the New York Mets along with right-hander Tobias Myers. The team received an infield prospect in Jett Williams, who ranks third in the Brewers farm system, and right-hander Brandon Sproat.

Ahead of his trade to the Mets, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees were teams that had shown interest in the 29-year-old right-hander.

The truth is, it is a massive disappointment to learn that the Padres were not in on Peralta. Sure, the team can make an excuse that it is due to payroll constraints, but not for this move in particular. We know this for the following reasons.

Mets’ Peralta deal is a sobering clue to where the Padres can’t keep up

Peralta is owed only $8 million in 2025, his last season before becoming a free agent. Are you telling us the Padres can’t afford to pay him $8 million?

After selling out at the trade deadline, the Padres let go of 13 prospects, leaving their minor league system in disarray. The team would not be able to compete with the offers that Milwaukee received from other teams because of this.

On top of that, the Padres may be a tad over the luxury tax threshold, but that doesn’t excuse the fact that there are ways to get back to even. Plus, the Siedler family should be in the business to spend a little more money.

As it stands, the Padres have Michael King and Nick Pivetta headlining the front-end of the rotation. Joe Musgrove and two open spots follow the two. This team could’ve really benefited from acquiring a true ace that could dominate for seven innings before turning it over to a strong bullpen.

With Peralta being off the board, it is up to Preller and company to solve the problem at the back end of the rotation. Guys like Chris Bassitt, Zac Gallen, and Merrill Kelly are names to monitor as we are less than a month away from pitchers and catchers reporting.

The offseason can’t end like this, and it is up to upper management to solve these issues that the Padres face.