Chris Flexen Trade #2: Calling Up an Old Friend for a Middle Infielder
San Diego General Manager A.J. Preller is a common trade partner and has gifted the Mariners some stellar talent. Now is the time to call him and line up the next transaction.
The Padres are losing two starters in free agency, Sean Mannea and Mike Clevinger. They will probably make a run at Kodai Senga, but they still need a backend starter to round out the rotation. So why not strike a deal with the Mariners (again) for a better version of Clevinger, Chris Flexen, and some relief help?
The current roster has a few middle infield pieces that would interest Justin Hollander and President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto. Before we get any further, in no way are they trading 2022 NL All-Star Jake Croenenworth. With rumors that the Padres are in on the shortstop market, they might be willing to part with a high-upside prospect who would add plus speed and positional versatility, Eguy Rosario.
Eguy Rosario is the Padres #5 prospect, who grades out well in scouting circles for his bat-to-ball skills and elite defense. He strikes out a bit too much for my liking, but he has an impact bat and is young enough to learn the “Control the Zone” ways (23). Plus, his speed and defense at second would play with the 2023 shift restrictions.