The San Diego Padres, having struck out on the two biggest free agent pitchers, are reportedly turning to the trade market.
According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Padres have spoken to the Cleveland Indians about starting pitching, likely pitcher Corey Kluber.
In addition to weighing Bumgarner and Keuchel, Padres have talked to Indians about pitching, most likely including Kluber. Possible though that Kluber trade may have to wait until he shows he’s ready in spring training
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 14, 2019
As noted, a Kluber trade may take time. He didn’t pitch after May 1 after suffering a fractured right forearm, so there are questions regarding how healed he is and how effective he might be going forward as he moves toward his 34th birthday.
There is no doubt that Kluber has been a tremendous pitcher. From 2014 through 2018, he posted a 2.85 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP in 1,091.1 innings while winning two Cy Young awards. This would not be the first time the Padres tried to land him via trade.
