The San Diego Padres have had a quiet offseason, but that could quickly become irrelevant if they make a significant move to reshape their roster and push themselves back into contention.
A single major acquisition could be enough to prevent Padres fans from looking back on this offseason with disappointment. After losing numerous free agents and seeing several key players surface in trade rumors, the team needs to take decisive action to reinsert itself into the playoff conversation.
One name frequently mentioned in trade speculation is right-hander Michael King, though he has admitted he would be surprised if he were dealt.
If the Padres do move King, they must ensure the return strengthens their roster enough to justify the trade, especially considering his solid debut season in San Diego. Additionally, any deal should help the team financially, as they’ve been actively working to manage their payroll.
One potential trade scenario, projected by Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer, involves sending King to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for outfielder Garrett Mitchell and right-hander Logan Henderson, the Brewers’ No. 9 prospect.
Mitchell and Henderson are both on affordable contracts, earning just $800,000 combined in 2025, compared to King’s $4 million salary. Mitchell, a left-handed bat, posted a 2.0 WAR last season, hitting .255/.342/.469 with eight home runs and 21 RBIs in just 69 games.
Henderson, only 22 years old, recorded a 3.32 ERA while pitching across multiple minor league levels, striking out 104 batters while issuing just 15 walks. His potential as a future starter could provide the Padres with a cost-effective rotation piece.
Ultimately, San Diego must be certain that Mitchell and Henderson can offset the loss of King, who struck out 201 batters while walking only 63 over 173.2 innings last season, finishing with an impressive 2.95 ERA.
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