San Diego Padres Eye Multiple Pitching Acquisitions Amid 2024 Offseason Challenges

The San Diego Padres face a challenging offseason with key pitchers Michael King and Dylan Cease both entering free agency, making it unlikely they can retain both given the projected high salaries, including a six-year, $187 million deal expected for Cease. King, who posted a strong 2.95 ERA before injuries, is anticipated to decline his $15 million mutual option, drawing interest from the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees, potentially sparking a competitive bidding war. To address rotation gaps, the Padres might consider trading for the St. Louis Cardinals' Sonny Gray, a reliable starter in his walk year whose contract they might absorb in exchange for prospects. Meanwhile, the Padres are linked to free agent hitter Luis Arraez, though his defensive limitations make his fit with some teams, like the Oakland Athletics, questionable. Separately, the New York Mets are expected to be active in pitching acquisitions and may pursue Washington Nationals' starter MacKenzie Gore to bolster their rotation after a disappointing season. Overall, the Padres' offseason strategy revolves heavily around managing their pitching staff amid significant player turnover and financial constraints.