Jason Burgos
A top MLB insider believes the San Diego Padres will make one of the biggest trades of the 2026 MLB season this summer.
Over the previous three seasons, the Padres have been all in on trying to bring the franchise its first championship. However, fans always knew the days of unusual spending would eventually end, and that came this offseason. Instead of making big additions, San Diego let several impact players walk.
In 2026, the Padres won’t have stud pitcher Dylan Cease, star closer Josh Hader, on-base machine Luis Arraez, or slugger Ryan O’Hearn. While they still have major stars on the roster, it doesn’t seem like they have nearly enough to compete with the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers. And with drama in the ownership offices, it doesn’t seem probable that they will make worthwhile additions during the season.
San Diego Padres predicted to trade for Sandy Alcantara
Yet, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden believes they will make additions during the summer, and on Wednesday, he predicted it would be one of the top pitchers in the league. “The Miami Marlins trade Sandy Alcantara, with a year and a half remaining of team control, to the Padres at the deadline,” the MLB insider wrote.
The 30-year-old is a two-time All-Star and won the 2022 Cy Young Award. However, he was knocked from superstar status when he had to miss all of the 2024 season to rehab his elbow following Tommy John surgery. Last year, he struggled mightily during the first half of his first season back after surgery. However, in the final months of the year, he looked more like the elite pitcher fans are familiar with. He is expected to be even better in 2026.
Beyond his ability to be an ace pitcher, Alcantara would be appealing to the Pads because he isn’t paid like an elite pitcher. He is making just $17.3 million this season. Then he has a club option for $21 million next year. Of the top line pitchers that could be available before the trade deadline and come at a high prospect cost, Alcantara makes the most financial sense for the Padres.
