San Diego Padres: What Will The Batting Order Look Like? by Nick Stevens

Yesterday there were Padres rumors across social media that the team was in talks with the Tampa Bay Rays about possibly acquiring a starting pitcher, namely Chris Archer.

Chris Archer, 29, has the pure stuff to be an ace on nearly any team. Adding him to the San Diego Padres starting rotation would give this team an unquantifiable upgrade. If they could pry him away from the Tampa Bay Rays, as the fan below suggests, it would be a huge step towards fielding a winning team in 2018. Let’s talk some Padres rumors.

Jim Duquette today on MLB Network radio said conversations w/members Padres FO they believe w/couple additions the team can contend in 2018 (Hosmer).

Also said team was in discussions with Rays for starting pitching. Possibly a trade that includes Archer & Span with the Padres — PadreVibes (@PadreVibes) February 13, 2018

In order to make a possible deal work for all sides, the Padres would likely need to take on veteran outfielder Denard Span in the deal as well. This could be the Padres agreeing to take on a hefty contract in exchange for decreasing the number of prospects they’d have to give up for Archer.

San Diego Padres really could contend this year if moves are made

According to reports, the Minnesota Twins had an offer on the table of Max Kepler, two high-end prospects, and another mid-level prospect, and the Rays still said no.

Hopefully, taking on the contract of Denard Span ($11 million in 2018, $12 million in 2019) and giving up a handful of the top-tier prospects Padres GM A.J. Preller has been stockpiling would get the deal done.

It’s entirely possible that this is all pure speculation. But if the San Diego Padres could work a deal for Chris Archer or Jake Odorizzi (preferably Archer) and Denard Span, they could still make a modest move in free-agency and put a bonafide contender on the field this season.

Want your voice heard? Join the Friars On Base team! Write for us!

Even if Eric Hosmer decides not to come here, adding Archer and Span to plug into the Padres rotation and outfield, respectively, plus bringing in a J.J. Hardy to shore up any shortcomings in the infield, this would be a coup for the Friars. We could realistically see the San Diego Padres compete for an NL West divisional title this season.

Editor’s Note: Friars On Base has NOT confirmed that Jim Duquette said the Padres were specifically speaking to Tampa Bay about Chris Archer, only that they have been in touch regarding the Rays’ starting pitchers.