This Padres–Red Sox mock trade fixes a glaring need for both teams

Since signing Michael King to a three-year contract, the Padres have yet to follow that move up with an encore. After all, the team still has an itch to scratch, that being the need for more starting pitching.

During this somewhat dead period in free agency, MLB experts have crafted their own trade packages for the Padres. One expert in particular has created his own proposal that may be the most intriguing one yet for A.J. Preller and company.

Derek Togerson of NBC 7 San Diego proposed a trade that would not only knock out needs for the Padres, but the Red Sox as well.

This Padres–Red Sox trade idea solves two problems at once

Togerson’s Trade Proposal:

The Padres have a dire need to clear guaranteed money off their books for future years, and trading Cronenworth is the ideal move to get that done. Cronenworth, 31, is due $60 million through 2031, and he is definitely the odd one out of the bunch that is signed for the long term.

From the Red Sox's point of view, they would love to bring in a versatile infielder who can play multiple positions. Cronenworth meets this criteria, as he can play first base, second base, and shortstop.

Cronenworth, along with veteran shortstop Trevor Story, would make for a solid middle infield duo.

The Padres would receive right-hander Brayan Bello, along with Boston’s No. 15 prospect in Nelly Taylor (OF). This return would add more stability to the starting rotation, as Bello can be a solid back-end starter. Plus, the Padres need to rebuild their farm system after a hectic 2025 trade deadline that featured a 13-prospect exodus.

The rotation would be headlined by Michael King and Nick Pivetta, followed by Joe Musgrove and Brayan Bello. The team would only need to find one more starter, and they would have much more flexibility in that search, as Bello is under contract through 2031 with a club option in 2030.

Bello signed a six-year, $55 million extension with Boston in 2024, but he is only due $14.5 million through 2027. In 2025, Bello posted a 3.35 ERA over the course of 166.2 innings.

While the Padres' goal is to free up money, they will have more financial flexibility by trading for Bello, rather than committing to a proven veteran that would require a much larger AAV.

While we will still be paying attention to what Preller has in mind going forward, this is an interesting proposal that should be considered.