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AJ Preller speaks to the media during a press conference prior to Game One of the Wild Card Series against the Atlanta Braves.

Going into the 2026 season, there were questions surrounding the starting rotation for the San Diego Padres. Dylan Cease left in free agency for the Toronto Blue Jays. Team president AJ Preller nearly lost Michael King in free agency.

The Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox were rumored to be in on him. However, he decided to return to Southern California, to San Diego. That is a move that is becoming better and better by the day.

Injuries are beginning to pile up for Preller’s rotation. Now, with limited options, the Padres are trying to stay afloat until they can get healthy. The latest blow came with Nick Pivetta dealing with elbow inflammation. Preller might need to look outside the organization at some point, and one interesting option was floated by Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report.

Trade Pitch Has San Diego Padres Acquiring Freddy Peralta From New York Mets

Reuter pitched the idea of the New York Mets sending right-hander Freddy Peralta to San Diego. That seems like a bold move if it were to ever happen. New York recently acquired Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers in January. He is scheduled to be a free agent at the end of the season. Moving him might make sense if they can’t re-sign him; however, trading him away this early would certainly be a decision. Here is Reuters’ trade pitch,

To SD: RHP Freddy Peralta
To NYM: C Ethan Salas (Tier 3, No. 1 SD prospect), OF Ryan Wideman (Tier 5, No. 7 SD prospect), RHP Tucker Musgrove (Tier 5)

“The idea of the Mets flipping Freddy Peralta just months after acquiring him in a blockbuster deal with the Brewers might seem outlandish, but it’s the reality of the situation for an upcoming free agent with blockbuster value,” wrote Reuter.

“It’s also not uncharted territory for the Mets, who just a few years ago traded Justin Verlander to the Astros before he completed his first full season with the team, cutting their losses after spending big in free agency.”

Reuter has a point. Still, unloading him this quickly would be a decision that would be very interesting. Furthermore, San Diego would be unloading some top prospects in this trade idea.

San Diego Padres Need Rotation Reinforcements

Peralta is making $8 million this season, which was a big draw for him by the Mets. In this day and age of MLB contracts, that is team-friendly for a two-time All-Star.

“The Padres look like a contender in clear need of rotation help, especially now that Nick Pivetta is dealing with elbow inflammation. Team president AJ Preller has never been shy about cashing in prospect trade chips, and now might be the time to turn the page on Ethan Salas,” added Reuter.

San Diego could look to free agency for Lucas Giolito. Surprisingly, the right-hander is still available after his 2025 season with the Red Sox. He declined his mutual option in November for $19 million, and that has turned out to be a bad decision.

Earlier this week, the Padres and Chicago Cubs were reportedly interested in Giolito, according to The Athletic. Regardless, if San Diego is going to hang around a playoff spot through a 162-game schedule, adding another arm is a must for Preller. With injuries mounting, it should be sooner rather than later.