Padres News: MLB Writer Predicts San Diego Trades For Multi-Time All-Star Catcher
It's been no secret that the 2023 season for the San Diego Padres hasn't lived up to expectations. The team came into the season as one of the favorites to win the World Series but they have really struggled to put any sort of consistency together. They sit in fourth place within the NL West division, only a few games ahed of the last place Colorado Rockies.
Something needs to change and fast for the Friars if they want to avoid being one of the biggest letdowns in recent memory. Baseball writer Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report proposed multiple trades for the MLB trade deadline and one of them had the Padres acquiring an All-Star catcher to add to their already impressive lineup.
Miller proposed the Padres getting Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez in the deal. Perez would need to sign off as he can veto any deal with him in it. But this could work as the Padres need help at the catcher position.
The biggest hurdle may be the price for him however because Perez is due a ton of money over the next few years.
"Second things second, San Diego has to be willing to spend quite a bit of long-term money to make this happen. Perez is making $20 million this season, $20 million in 2024 and $22 million in 2025 with a $13.5 million club option for 2026."
Per Bleacher Report
With all the contracts on the books already for the Padres, could they even afford to take this on? Who knows, but this could help them going forward if Perez could agree to a trade.
On the year, he has hit .253 with 15 home runs and 39 runs batted in. He could be the veteran voice that this club is missing and would bring postseason experience, as he won the 2015 World Series with Kansas City.
This trade seems unlikely but it could be something for the team to look into to try and salvage this year.