Padres Rumors: Friars Linked To Ace Starter From AL East Squad

Could he fill the void of Snell for next season?

The San Diego Padres are expected to lose starter Blake Snell this offseason, despite his strong 2023 campaign that saw him win the NL Cy Young award. Snell will likely cost more than San Diego is willing to pay, and it will see him depart the team he has spent the last few seasons with.

Assuming he does bolt from the team, the Padres will have to find a way to replace his production. They are expected to lose multiple pitchers this offseason, but president of baseball operations A.J. Preller always has plans up his sleeve.

He isn’t shy about pushing chips in, and it could see him go land another ace to replace Snell. And it seems that the ace could come from the very team that Snell was acquired from years ago, the Tampa Bay Rays.

Tampa Bay is reportedly shopping ace Tyler Glasnow this winter, and the Padres are being linked with him. He would fill the void of Snell for this year and would help lower payroll as well, which is a goal of San Diego this winter.

“While every team would love Glasnow, one year of control means his market will be limited to teams expecting to contend in 2023. Figure the Cardinals, Cubs, Dodgers, Giants, Mets, and Padres will be heavily involved.”

Per Mike Axisa of CBS Sports

Glasnow posted an ERA of 3.53 in 21 starts for the Rays last season, and he looked all the way back from his injury issues. He also struck out 162 batters in 120 innings of work, showing that he is still capable of punching guys out.

He has one year left on his deal, and San Diego could then see about resigning him. But he would be a solid option for them this season, replacing the production from Snell if he leaves.

The Padres and Rays are familiar with each other, so a deal could be struck. Don't sleep on San Diego this offseason, as they seem very motivated to make another splash move.