Following earlier trade discussions including with the Mets, the San Diego Padres are weighing deals from their deep bullpen to shore up a thin starting rotation as spring training nears. GM A.J. Preller has dismissed converting high-leverage arms to starters and stresses preserving the elite relief corps that powered recent playoffs, though he remains open to overwhelming offers.
Pitchers and catchers report to Peoria in one month, highlighting the Padres' pitching imbalance: MLB's best bullpen against rotation gaps. Preller ruled out shifting relievers like recently acquired Mason Miller—who excelled late last season—to the rotation.
With surplus back-end arms and needs in the rotation and first base, trading relievers makes sense, though no one is untouchable. Earlier reports flagged Miller, but his postseason success makes him unlikely to move. More realistic targets: setup men Jeremiah Estrada (controlled through 2029, future closer upside), Adrian Morejon (top lefty setup man, one year control), and David Morgan. Middle relievers Wandy Peralta (two years, $8.9M left) and Yuki Matsui (three years, $19.25M) could free salary, while Jason Adam (post-quad surgery) is off-limits.
Preller prioritizes bullpen strength: 'Any time you have multiple people at a spot, you at least can listen... But it’s not easy to find impact players.' The 'super-bullpen' shortened games last year, aiding back-to-back playoffs. Trading requires an overwhelming offer for a controllable starter; otherwise, rotation fixes remain uncertain.