A $20 Million Prediction: Padres Could Sign Dodgers Veteran Pitcher Alex Vesia in Surprise Offseason Move
A busy offseason ahead
The San Diego Padres are expected to be among Major League Baseball’s most active teams this offseason. The rotation, free agents across the roster and a looming MLB lockout are among the factors shaping the team’s plans.
The Padres are also expected to pursue two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. The article says that signing him would strengthen the rotation, assuming Michael King does not return, and send a message to division rival Los Angeles.
Vesia enters the picture
Sports Illustrated’s Nicholas Selbe has predicted that Alex Vesia will sign with San Diego on a two-year, $20 million contract. The Dodgers reliever would add another left-hander to what the article describes as one of baseball’s best bullpens.
A possible Morejon replacement
The Padres do not need a closer, given Mason Miller’s performance, while Adrian Morejon is expected to be priced beyond their range. The article describes Morejon as one of baseball’s best setup men.
Because of his age, recent elite production and the free-agent market, Morejon is expected to receive a contract valued like one for a closer or starting pitcher. Vesia could offer San Diego another left-handed option for similar production at a smaller cost.
Key points
- Nicholas Selbe predicted Vesia would join the Padres on a two-year, $20 million deal.
- Vesia has a 2.87 ERA and a 32.6% strikeout rate in 332 ⅓ innings with Los Angeles.
- The Padres could use Vesia as another left-handed reliever if Morejon’s expected price is out of range.
- San Diego is also expected to pursue Tarik Skubal, assuming Michael King does not return.