The 2024 MLB trade deadline is approaching in about five weeks, and the San Diego Padres are a team generating considerable interest.
Despite fluctuating performances, they’ve maintained a close-to-.500 record throughout the season. Rotation depth has emerged as a critical issue, highlighted by Dylan Cease recently breaking a streak where only one Padres starter (Matt Waldron, twice) managed a quality start in 14 games.
To improve their chances in the second half, the Padres are in need of bolstering their starting pitching. Injuries to Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove have compounded the issue, underscoring the necessity for additional reliable arms.
Luis Severino of the New York Mets has emerged as a prime candidate for San Diego, identified by ESPN’s Jeff Passan as a strong fit. Severino, set to become a free agent after the season, could potentially elevate the Padres’ position in the Wild Card race if the Mets opt to sell.
Passan highlighted Severino’s strengths, noting his solid 3.29 ERA across 90.1 innings in 15 starts for the Mets, with his slider standing out as a top-tier pitch.
Given San Diego’s financial considerations, Severino could be an attractive option, especially given the Mets’ past willingness to absorb significant contracts in trades.
Despite Yu Darvish’s setback in returning from injury, pitchers like Cease, Michael King, and Waldron have been the only reliable options in the Padres’ rotation.
Acquiring Severino would significantly bolster their starting rotation, potentially allowing GM A.J. Preller to retain top hitting prospects like Ethan Salas and Leo Devries.
The Mets’ proximity to the Padres in the Wild Card standings adds complexity to Severino’s potential availability, with only a 1.5-game difference separating the teams.
This close race may influence the Mets’ decision regarding Severino as the trade deadline approaches, making it a situation to monitor closely as the playoff picture evolves.
