Padres Will Chase Corey Kluber if They Miss Out on Madison Bumgarner and Dallas Keuchel
By Ian Anderson
Despite signing All-Star Manny Machado to a massive 10-year, $300 million deal last offseason, the San Diego Padres still have an appetite to make big moves in search of starting pitching help.
On Saturday, MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported that the Padres have been looking at swooping in for Cleveland Indians ace Corey Kluber via trade if their free agent pursuits of Dallas Keuchel or Madison Bumgarner fall flat.
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
If they wish to contend in a solid NL West, the Padres simply must improve a starting rotation that placed 18th in the league in ERA last season.
Kluber is a bit of a gamble considering he had a rough 2019 season as a result of injuries, and it would cost a whole lot of talent to acquire his services. If the Padres do wish to make a run at the NL West season, however, such risks will be necessary.
Kluber was initially drafted by the Padres in the 4th round of the 2007 draft, but never took the MLB mound for San Diego. Instead, he was shipped off in 2010 to the Indians and the rest is history. To date, Cleveland is the only team for which he's ever logged a big-league game.
The Angels have expressed interest in trading for Indians right-hander Corey Kluber, sources tell The Athletic. The club has prioritized its pursuit of Anthony Rendon, but they’re exploring all options.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) December 12, 2019
The Padres would face some competition with the Los Angeles Angels for Kluber, but as it stands, the 33-year-old ace stands a good chance of leaving The Land this winter for sunny California.