Report: Padres likely to pursue Stephen Strasburg as free agent

The San Diego Padres remain serious about contention, and it sounds like they have plans to chase one of the offseason’s premier free agents.

According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres are likely to make a run at pitcher Stephen Strasburg after the ace opted out of his deal with the Washington Nationals. The World Series MVP attended San Diego State, and both of his parents still live in the area.

The Padres are said to be more focused on Strasburg than fellow free agent starter Gerrit Cole. Strasburg, however, is still viewed as most likely to remain with the Nationals on an increased deal.

There’s a lot that makes sense about the fit, and as the Manny Machado signing last winter shows, the Padres should be taken seriously. Plus, ownership has made clear that they expect to content in 2020. If Strasburg ultimately wants to remain with Washington, however, there’s little the San Diego can do.