SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 18: Yu Darvish #11 of the San Diego Padres pitches during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the National League Championship Series at PETCO Park on October 18, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The San Diego Padres extended starting pitcher Yu Darvish late this week. The contract extension opens up all kinds of possibilities for A.J. Preller, one of the more creative executives in baseball.
Yu Darvish remains one of the more unpredictable pitchers in all of baseball. His arsenal is rumored to be up to 8 pitches deep, if not more. It makes him dangerous, even as he ages.
San Diego’s recent extension with Darvish will pay him until he’s 42 years old. If his breaking stuff can continue to transition as he ages, he’ll be able to counteract the likely decrease in velocity. Darvish’s low AAV, especially in the latter years of his deal, could also help the Padres out as they try to extend some of the other talent on the roster.
Manny Machado and Juan Soto are schedule to be free agents in the winters to come. Machado will command a lofty deal, but nothing compares to what Soto will get. $500 million is within the realm of possibility, as Soto turned down a rumored $400 million-plus offer from the Washington Nationals before he was traded.
In his press conference, Darvish said that he hopes his deal allows San Diego to sign Machado, for one.
So Machado does not appear to be a casualty of the Darvish extension. Some Padres, however, will not be able to re-sign with the club at top value, especially with all this talent around them.
Padres trade rumors: Trent Grisham to the Braves
Atlanta has been more willing to trade for outfielders this offseason than it has shortstops. That’s likely because of positional value, and the fact they believe in Vaughn Grissom long-term. Per Dennis Lin of The Athletic, Grisham is available if any team is willing to meet the Pads asking price.
Grisham has won two Gold Gloves in the past three seasons. His bat leaves a lot to be desired, as he hit under the Mendoza line last season. At his best, his walk rate remains low, and he has one of the highest strikeout rates in the majors.
Grisham’s glove outweighs his struggles at the plate. Especially in Atlanta, which already possesses a very strong lineup, Grisham could shine. Playing him in the outfield would force Marcell Ozuna out of the lineup and serve as insurance for Ronald Acuña, who seemingly faces injury issues ever year.