Re-arming

After making big strides during the 60-game season, the Padres appear to be going all in on 2021. 

On the verge of two big trades that put some life back into a listless off-season, the boys from Petco Park have swapped a boatload of young, up-and-talent to bring in two veteran starters: Blake Snell (above) arrives from Tampa Bay, while the suddenly stingy Cubs ship Yu Darvish (below) to San Diego.

Bringing veteran savvy and post-season experience to a Padres team brimming with young everyday players -- such as the budding superstar Fernando Tatis Junior -- GM AJ Preller believes they're worth growing the payroll by more than $30 million in uncertain economic times. Of course the risks are huge -- especially regarding Darvish, who turns 34 in August. But both Padre newcomers have three years remaining on their contracts, so there's none of worry about being caught up in walk years. 

The goal is simple: closing the gap with the division rivals and now-World Champions, who play just an hour and a half up the freeway... the Dodgers.



 

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