Padres linked to trade for 3.12 ERA Mets All-Star pitcher that would make perfect sense

The San Diego Padres are one of the better teams in the National League this season, as they're 22-16, just two games back of the Los Angeles Dodgers for the top spot in the division.

But there are still some big issues with the roster. One of those is the starting rotation, which has sustained injuries to Nick Pivetta and some uncertainty about Joe Musgrove and German Marquez.

With a need for more starting pitcher help clear, Fansided.com's Christopher Kline linked the Padres as one of many teams that could wind up pursuing New York Mets All-Star Freddy Pertalta.

"AJ Preller doesn't have much left in the chamber as far as trade ammo, but the Padres are notoriously aggressive buyers at the deadline, and Preller is happy to bottom out the farm system if it means a real chance to compete in the NL postseason race," Kline writes.

Even though the Padres might not have the resources that other clubs might have to pursue someone like Peralta, A.J. Preller has a knack for the big move, and this trade would make a ton of sense for San Diego.

Padres linked to Freddy Peralta trade that makes sense

With the Mets likely to stumble even more this season, as things look to be on the brink of total collapse, a sell-off is very possible.

And if they do sell, Peralta is someone the Mets should strongly consider moving. He has a 3.12 ERA this season, is a two-time All-Star, and, most importantly, will be a free agent after the 2026 season.

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Instead of holding onto him for the rest of the year and losing him for nothing in free agency, the Mets would be better off trading him, and the Padres are a great fit.

San Diego needs more rotation help, and adding an ace-level pitcher like Peralta would give them the front-line starter they've been missing.

If they could pair Peralta with their current rotation members, especially if Pivetta comes back healthy, their rotation, combined with an elite bullpen led by Mason Miller, could make the Padres serious World Series contenders.

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