Updated values lead to updated trade between the Padres and Rays. I still really believe that a trade like this works for both teams. Padres are in win-now mode and have a limited window before their big money contracts become an albatross on their ability to compete. This trade sees the Padres fill their biggest and most glaring hole at 1B with All-Star Yandy Diaz, while filling the hole at SP that results from Snell leaving with Glasnow. Padres are a lot better in 2024 for this trade, but it’s costly. They lose a really good SS prospect and 2 pitchers (1 lefty and 1 righty). They don’t lose their best pitching prospect though (Lesko), or their best overall prospect (Salas), so it’s not the end of the world for their Farm. That said, this trade is all about getting the Padres to the WS.
As for the Rays, this trade would be considered if, and only if, the Rays lose Wander Franco for an extended period (or forever). If that happens, then they likely look to add another top flight SS prospect to their system and to reduce payroll next year by $30-50MM. As it currently stands, the Rays are looking at payroll jumping next year by $40-45MM, so they’ll be looking to cut either way, and losing 3 starting pitchers and Wander Franco for the 2024 season would definitely push them to cutting to the bone (while retaining their ability to compete). Fortunately, cutting that much payroll won’t be that difficult. It’s basically T.Glasnow ($25MM), M.Margot ($10MM) and one of B.Lowe, R.Arozarena or Y.Diaz (all around $8-10MM), and aside from Glasnow, they have internal replacements ready to go.
Updated values lead to updated trade between the Padres and Rays. I still really believe that a trade like this works for both teams. Padres are in win-now mode and have a limited window before their big money contracts become an albatross on their ability to compete. This trade sees the Padres fill their biggest and most glaring hole at 1B with All-Star Yandy Diaz, while filling the hole at SP that results from Snell leaving with Glasnow. Padres are a lot better in 2024 for this trade, but it’s costly. They lose a really good SS prospect and 2 pitchers (1 lefty and 1 righty). They don’t lose their best pitching prospect though (Lesko), or their best overall prospect (Salas), so it’s not the end of the world for their Farm. That said, this trade is all about getting the Padres to the WS.
As for the Rays, this trade would be considered if, and only if, the Rays lose Wander Franco for an extended period (or forever). If that happens, then they likely look to add another top flight SS prospect to their system and to reduce payroll next year by $30-50MM. As it currently stands, the Rays are looking at payroll jumping next year by $40-45MM, so they’ll be looking to cut either way, and losing 3 starting pitchers and Wander Franco for the 2024 season would definitely push them to cutting to the bone (while retaining their ability to compete). Fortunately, cutting that much payroll won’t be that difficult. It’s basically T.Glasnow ($25MM), M.Margot ($10MM) and one of B.Lowe, R.Arozarena or Y.Diaz (all around $8-10MM), and aside from Glasnow, they have internal replacements ready to go.