The San Diego Padres managed to accomplish one of their more important offseason objectives by retaining right-handed pitcher Michael King, ensuring some continuity within a rotation that has experienced considerable turnover.
While that move helped stabilize the pitching staff, it did little to address a far more pressing concern on the position-player side of the roster. The Padres are still left searching for a reliable replacement for Luis Arraez, whose departure created a significant void both offensively and defensively.
Arraez was not only a consistent bat at the top of the lineup, but also a steady presence with the glove, making his absence particularly difficult to overcome.
As the offseason progresses and the list of viable free agents continues to shrink, San Diego finds itself in a familiar bind: the desire to remain competitive while operating under clear financial constraints. Big-ticket free agents and blockbuster trades may generate headlines, but for a Padres team navigating payroll limitations, creativity and efficiency are more realistic paths forward.
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Fortunately for San Diego, a potentially sensible and affordable solution could be emerging on the trade market—one that aligns well with both their immediate needs and long-term flexibility.
According to FanSided’s Zachary Rotman, the Padres could look to the Baltimore Orioles as a potential trade partner, with veteran first baseman Ryan Mountcastle emerging as a logical target. Mountcastle, who has spent his entire major league career in Baltimore, may be nearing the end of his tenure with the organization. With the Orioles reshaping their roster and emphasizing younger, more cost-controlled talent, Mountcastle no longer appears to fit neatly into their long-term plans.
Rotman argues that the combination of Mountcastle’s salary, age, and positional redundancy makes him an increasingly expendable asset for Baltimore. Set to earn $6.7 million this upcoming season, Mountcastle represents a relatively modest financial commitment by league standards, but one that the Orioles may prefer to allocate elsewhere as they prioritize roster efficiency and payroll flexibility.
In that context, trading Mountcastle could benefit both teams involved, allowing Baltimore to reallocate resources while giving San Diego a much-needed solution at first base.
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“Mountcastle is not a fit in Baltimore anymore, particularly at the $6.7 million price tag he’s set to earn, so trading him makes the most sense,” Rotman wrote. “A team like the San Diego Padres with a clear need at first base could be a natural fit. The Padres reportedly pursued Nolan Arenado with the intention of moving him to first base, and Mountcastle is probably a better hitter than Arenado is right now.”
That comparison underscores an important point. While Nolan Arenado remains one of the most accomplished third basemen of his generation, his offensive production has shown signs of decline, and acquiring him would have required a significant financial and prospect-based commitment.
Mountcastle, by contrast, offers a less expensive and less risky alternative, particularly for a Padres team looking to avoid long-term payroll obligations while still fielding a competitive lineup.
From a performance standpoint, Mountcastle’s recent statistical output paints a picture of a player who has experienced some inconsistency but remains capable of contributing at a respectable level. During the most recent season, he posted a slash line of .250/.286/.367 with an on-base plus slugging percentage of .653.
In 89 games, he recorded 18 doubles, seven home runs, and 35 runs batted in. While those numbers do not leap off the page, they reflect a player who was not fully healthy for much of the year and never quite found his rhythm at the plate.
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A more encouraging data point comes from the 2024 season, when Mountcastle was able to stay on the field for a larger portion of the schedule. In 124 games that year, he slashed .271/.308/.425, good for a .733 OPS. He added 30 doubles, 13 home runs, and 63 RBIs, production that is far more in line with what teams expect from an everyday first baseman. Those numbers suggest that, when healthy, Mountcastle can be a solid middle-of-the-order bat capable of driving in runs and providing extra-base power.
For the Padres, that level of production could go a long way toward stabilizing a lineup that has struggled with consistency. While Mountcastle is not a direct replacement for Arraez in terms of contact skills or on-base ability, he offers a different offensive profile—one that emphasizes power and run production. In a lineup already featuring several high-contact hitters, adding a bat like Mountcastle’s could help balance the offensive attack.
Defensively, Mountcastle also brings value. Primarily a first baseman, he has enough experience and athleticism to handle the position competently, providing San Diego with a dependable option at a spot that has been in flux. While he is not considered an elite defender, he offers steadiness and familiarity, qualities that can be especially important for a pitching staff adjusting to changes behind them.
Another key element that makes Mountcastle an appealing option is the financial flexibility he provides. At $6.7 million for the upcoming season, his contract is far more manageable than what it would take to re-sign Arraez or pursue a high-profile free agent.
Additionally, Mountcastle is scheduled to become a free agent after the season, meaning the Padres would not be tied to a long-term commitment. This short-term arrangement aligns perfectly with San Diego’s current situation, allowing them to evaluate Mountcastle’s fit without risking future payroll complications.
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This type of low-risk, high-reward move has become increasingly common among teams operating under financial constraints. For San Diego, acquiring Mountcastle would essentially function as a trial run. If he thrives in a new environment and reestablishes himself as a reliable everyday contributor, the Padres could explore the possibility of bringing him back on a new deal. If not, they can simply move on at the end of the season without long-term repercussions.
Rotman’s analysis also highlights the shrinking number of alternatives available to the Padres as the offseason nears its conclusion. With most impact free agents already signed and trade discussions becoming more difficult, San Diego may soon find itself choosing between imperfect options. In that context, Mountcastle stands out as one of the more realistic and attainable solutions still on the table.
From Baltimore’s perspective, moving Mountcastle now could make sense as well. The Orioles have an influx of young talent and appear committed to maximizing roster efficiency. Clearing Mountcastle’s salary would give them additional flexibility to address other needs, whether through free agency or by creating opportunities for younger players to take on larger roles. Trading him while he still holds value could be a prudent decision rather than allowing him to play out his final year and depart without compensation.
For the Padres, the urgency is clear. Competing in the National League requires depth, balance, and adaptability, particularly in a division that features strong rivals and little margin for error. While San Diego has made some positive moves, the absence of a clear answer at first base remains a glaring issue. Failing to address it could undermine the progress they have made elsewhere on the roster.
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Mountcastle may not represent a perfect solution, but he embodies the type of pragmatic move that could keep the Padres afloat while preserving future flexibility. His power potential, experience, and manageable contract make him an appealing option for a team searching for stability without overspending. In a market where premium talent often comes at a premium cost, finding value in overlooked or displaced players can be the difference between contention and mediocrity.
Ultimately, whether the Padres pursue Mountcastle will depend on how aggressively they choose to act as the offseason winds down. Waiting too long could result in missed opportunities, while acting decisively could help solidify a key position before the season begins.
If San Diego truly intends to compete and remain relevant in a crowded playoff picture, taking a calculated gamble on a player like Mountcastle may represent their most realistic path forward.
As options continue to disappear and time becomes a more pressing factor, the Padres may soon have to decide whether to embrace a practical, cost-effective solution or risk entering the season with unresolved questions at one of the most important positions on the field. In that light, a trade for Ryan Mountcastle may not just be an option—it may be the best one still available.
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