Could the Padres Make a Surprise Run for World Series Winning Free Agent Pitcher?

Does San Diego have a major trick up their sleeve?

The San Diego Padres have been shedding salary all winter, and it has seen them lose multiple players in free agency. Their starting rotation has taken the biggest hit, with most members from the 2023 staff heading elsewhere.

Reigning Cy Young award winner Blake Snell is currently a free agent, but he isn't expected to return to the Padres barring anything drastic happening. San Diego has built out the rotation with players that they received back in the Juan Soto trade, but it still feels like they need more. 

Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller is known for being aggressive in making moves to upgrade the team, and he always finds a way to pull a rabbit out of a hat. It's possible that he could be looking to do the same this offseason, and there is still plenty of time to make it happen.

Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer believes that the Padres could end up being a surprise team for one of the bigger free agents left. That would be former Texas Rangers pitcher Jordan Montgomery.

"Jordan Montgomery Surprise No. 2: San Diego Padres

Why It Would Be a Surprise:

Speaking of teams that want to cut payroll, the Padres have been approaching payroll-cutting as if it's an Olympic sport. After spending $250 million on payroll in 2023, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports that San Diego wants to end up south of $200 million for this season."

Per Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report

Landing Montgomery would go against the way the Padres have operated this winter, but he would be a valuable addition to their rotation. He was one of the main reasons why the Rangers won the World Series, and San Diego could use a starter like him. 

He would take Snell's role on the staff, and the Padres would feel much better about their chances. Montgomery was excellent during the postseason, posting an ERA of  2.90 and a WHIP of 1.35.

His season ERA was at 3.20, so he shined when the lights were brightest. Montgomery could help run the Padres staff for years if they made this move, but it remains an unlikely pairing. 

With the team shedding salary, they seem determined to see their plan through. San Diego wants to reset their books so they can spend at a later date when they are more heavily interested in top players.