Wild trade rumor sees former No. 1 pick headed to San Diego in 2025

What's next for the Padres this offseason? San Diego has not seen much movement to bolster their roster this winter, and they are running out of time as spring training nears. One more move within the Friars' infield is necessary, and although there are a few solid options still on the table in free agency, San Diego should think about making a trade with the Tigers.

Now that the Padres' left side of the diamond is solidified, they need to add a first baseman and/or a designated hitter. Enter Spencer Torkelson, who has found himself in a difficult spot with Detroit heading into 2025. Should the Padres trade for him? It might just make sense.

Wild trade rumor sees former No. 1 pick headed to San Diego in 2025

With the Tigers' addition of Gleyber Torres, things don't look so bright for Torkelson's playing time. Torres will occupy second base, pushing Colt Keith over to first. It's been reported that Torkelson will not be completely benched, but the writing seems to be on the wall of a much lesser role with the club.

In what would be a cheaper trade for the Padres, adding Torkelson can benefit the right side of the infield. Keeping two players fresh simultaneously, Torkelson and Luis Arráez could potentially split time at first base while the other DH's. It's a win-win, especially after Torkelson's 2024 campaign when he was sent to the minor leagues for two months. Taking some of that everyday pressure off of Torkelson can help him reset mentally if he lands with a new team.

It already feels like the Tigers are out on Torkelson's development. If they don't see him as a plausible option at first base or at DH, then they may as well link him in a trade. San Diego would be one of the better fits and Padres fans would welcome Torkelson with open arms because, well, he can mash.

He showed plenty of power in 2023, clipping 31 home runs and 34 doubles before stumbling a bit in 2024. Torkelson cranked 10 home runs in 93 games with the Tigers last year, but showed that he was coming back to life at the end. He went deep three times each in August and in September, which is a 24-home run pace for an entire season. He also registered six doubles and a triple during the span.

At 25 years old, Spencer Torkelson is not a lost cause. He may not have a fit with the Tigers anymore, but his career can definitely be reignited with the Padres, especially if there isn't a tremendous pressure for him to perform on both sides of the ball every day.