San Diego Padres pitcher Tyson Ross has only been a full-time starter for two MLB seasons, both of which came in 2014 and 2015. He's been the subject of trade rumors since many clubs are looking for cost-controlled starters, but will the Pads move him?
Well, they are certainly open to the idea, but it'll take a bit of negotiating, which perhaps explains why Ross wasn't dealt before the non-waiver trade deadline in July.
"While the Padres continue to draw trade interest in right-hander Tyson Ross, they only will consider moving him for a monster package, sources say," writes FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
"The Padres value Ross, who is under club control for two more seasons, and might try to extend him. Ross, who will pitch next season at 29, is projected to earn $10 million in arbitration in '16."
The Chicago Cubs have most recently been linked to Ross in rumors, as they were a few months ago. They likely possess the pieces to acquire him, but it's been said they covet their young talent.
Additionally, San Diego could very well be interested in extending Ross and that may work for them in a couple of ways. If general manager A.J. Preller's asking price for Ross is indeed as high as Rosenthal indicates, then the team can opt to sign him to an extension and work on building around him over the next couple of seasons.
If they feel that plan won't work or isn't working down the road, then perhaps other MLB clubs would be willing to meet Preller's asking price with Ross under contract beyond the next two seasons. Ross is certainly a commodity, but the cost could be prohibitive for a buyer that doesn't have a deep farm system or a surplus of MLB-ready talent.
"The Padres should still keep their options open when it comes to trading Tyson Ross, but it would not be a bad idea to make him part of the long-term plan in San Diego," writes Joshua Sadlock of Baseball Essential. "Adding a few more team-friendly years to the contract of this young pitcher would make him even more valuable in the event of a trade, while also providing a modicum of stability to a roster that has seemingly been in a state of constant churn since A.J. Preller stormed into town."
While there's an expansive market for free agent starters this offseason, pitchers such as Ross are also garnering a lot of attention because most clubs can't afford to pay $15 million or more per season for a player, let alone multiple players.
Ross' name will be floated around in trade rumors this offseason, but there's no guarantee he'll be dealt. The Padres can be flexible with the right-hander and it appears as if they'll approach the situation in that manner.
