The San Diego Padres boast a talented roster, but several of their top players — including standout pitchers Dylan Cease and Michael King — are nearing the end of their contracts.
Earlier this week, I floated a hypothetical trade idea that would bring young, cost-controlled left-hander Andrew Abbott from the Cincinnati Reds to San Diego in exchange for a strong package of prospects.
Here’s the proposed deal:
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Padres get: LHP Andrew Abbott
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Reds get: LHP Boston Bateman, OF Tirso Ornelas, RHP Ryan Bergert
Boston Bateman, just 19 years old, is considered one of the game’s top up-and-coming pitching prospects. At 6’8″, he’s shown promise early in his professional career.
If the Reds were to part with a potential frontline starter like Abbott, they’d need a high-upside arm like Bateman as the centerpiece. Tirso Ornelas, 25, is an MLB-ready outfielder who could immediately compete for playing time in Cincinnati.
Ryan Bergert, also 25, would serve more as a depth addition to the pitching staff — a necessary piece to balance the deal if the Reds were to move Abbott.
Losing this trio of prospects would sting for San Diego, but acquiring Abbott might make it worthwhile. The lefty was dominant on Friday night, striking out 11 batters over six innings to improve to 2-0 on the season.
With Cease and King potentially hitting free agency soon, the Padres would be wise to begin targeting long-term rotation help sooner rather than later.
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