The San Diego Padres reportedly covet Milwaukee Brewers' outfielder Sal Frelick in trade talks, according to reports.
The following comes from Dennis Lin of 'The Athletic:'
Remaining free agents include Michael A. Taylor and Adam Duvall, both of whom can play center field. Outfielders who have come up in the Padres’ trade discussions include the Boston Red Sox’s Jarren Duran and the Milwaukee Brewers’ Sal Frelick, according to league sources. Both of those players are controllable, relatively young and, thus, likely difficult to acquire.
We had previously heard of the Padres' interest in Duran, but Frelick's name is new. San Diego's connection to outfielders is understandable considering that the team only has two on its 40-man roster as spring training begins. The Padres are short in that department after trading Juan Soto and Trent Grisham this offseason.
As for Frelick, he made his major league debut for the Brewers in 2023. He hit .246 in 191 at-bats, popping three homers, 24 RBI and stealing seven bases. He would figure to be tough to acquire given his age (23) and affordability (six years left of team control). For a Brewers team that is always payroll-conscious, getting rid of someone like that seems unlikely.
The Padres finished third in the National League West last season and missed the playoffs. In addition to losing Soto and Grisham, they've lost Blake Snell, Josh Hader, Nick Martinez and Seth Lugo this offseason.
The Brewers won the National League Central last year but have had a weird offseason, losing manager Craig Counsell, Adrian Houser, Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff. They have added Rhys Hoskins and locked up top prospect Jackson Chourio to a long-term deal.
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