The Padres have yet to resolve their catcher issues, and the trade deadline is drawing near. Over the next few days, San Diego will have a number of options to choose from, but the New York Yankees might be the ideal suitor.
Why the Yankees? The Bronx Bombers, who are always prepared to spend money to achieve what they want, are in need of a starting pitcher. Dylan Cease, who has been the subject of rumors for a while, has always seemed to be of interest to them. In exchange for Cease, the Padres might receive catcher J.C. Escarra and a few other elite prospects from New York.
Before the 2025 deadline, the Yankees might be the ideal trading partner for the Padres.
Although we obviously don’t want Dylan Cease to leave, it is now unavoidable. It would make sense for the Yankees to come up with a deal to send San Diego in return for the right-hander as they compete for a postseason run. Escarra, who could (at least temporarily) repair the obvious flaw behind the dish, would be at the center of the arrangement.
Escarra can provide the Friars some flare on defense because to his excellent framing skills and strong pop timing. The fact that Escarra hardly ever sees the field in New York is his issue. Ben Rice and Austin Wells spend the majority of their time behind the plate.
This has only allowed Escarra to play 39 games.
Escarra’s batting average of.205 isn’t great, but he’s basically just playing once a week. He doesn’t have a chance to find his rhythm, but he might be given one in San Diego.
The Padres may attempt to get Yankee top prospects Eric Reyzelman (RHP, No. 20), Everson Pereira (OF, No. 15), and Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (RHP, No. 6) as part of the transaction.
Rodriguez-Cruz isn’t anticipated to make it to the major leagues until 2027, but Pereira and Reyzelman are anticipated to do it this season. Rodriguez-Cruz has a 2.42 ERA in 96 2/3 innings pitched with 109 strikeouts while playing for Double-A Somerset, showing great promise for the future.
Despite making it to the majors in 2023, Pereira was not yet ready. He has 19 home runs and an OPS above.860 at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, which makes him a good fourth outfield option for the Padres. He could even be a surprise choice to consistently play left field.
Reyzelman’s batting average against out of the bullpen in Triple-A is.188.
Does this mean that San Diego’s catching issues are resolved? Escarra may finally get rid of Cease and give the Friars some fresh life for a little cost, but it might not. It feels more realistic than not and is almost like a match made in heaven.
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