Should the Padres Consider This Blockbuster Trade to Replace Josh Hader With All-Star Closer?

Could the Padres complete a blockbuster this offseason?

The San Diego Padres are expected to have a closer by committee this coming season with Josh Hader heading to the Houston Astros. Hader was elite for them over the past year and a half, but now the Padres will look to fill the void elsewhere.

However, there is still a chance that San Diego will decide to go after a full-time closer this offseason. Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller always finds a way to surprise people, and he may have another trick up his sleeve.

MLB writer Zachary D. Rymer put together a list of teams that could be landing spots for Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, and the Padres made the cut. The proposed deal would have San Diego trading a key prospect, but the appeal of Clase may be worth it.

"Trade Proposal: San Diego Padres get RHP Emmanuel Clase; Cleveland Guardians get INF Jake Cronenworth, SS Jackson Merrill

"But if the Padres would rather have someone more solid than Suarez inherit Hader's role in the ninth, they could surely do worse than Clase. And since he'll only earn $2.9 million this season, trading for him would hardly jeopardize San Diego's cost-cutting mission."

Per Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report

All offseason the Padres have been looking to shed salary, and adding Clase while trading Cronenworth's contract would allow that to continue.

Clase is on the books for the next few seasons, and is only owed $2.9 million this coming season. He then will get $4.9 million in 2025, $6.4 million in 2026 and then has two years with team options for $10 million in 2027 and 2028.

Clase has made the All-Star team in each of his last two seasons, posting an ERA of 3.22 in 75 appearances with Cleveland. He had 44 saves as well and could be a perfect replacement for Hader.

He has been linked with the NL West rival Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason, so San Diego landing him would also keep him away from L.A. While this trade is unlikely, it is an intriguing thought that the Padres could pursue.