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Padres deemed potential fit to steal Phillies star in free agency | Sporting News

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 16:50 GMT by Sporting News

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Why Zack Wheeler is a Target

Wheeler, 26, spent the last four seasons with the Phillies, compiling a 45‑29 record, a 2.83 ERA, and 594 strikeouts over 734 innings pitched. He is widely regarded as the best left‑handed pitcher in the majors, and his 2023 season—though shortened by injury—was a 3‑1 record with a 2.18 ERA over 41 innings. With the Phillies still on the cusp of a playoff berth, their “Free Agent” list in 2024 contains a star pitcher who could easily command a top‑tier contract if he were to sign elsewhere.

From the Padres’ perspective, Wheeler would fill a long‑standing void on their rotation. The club currently owns the high‑paid right‑hander Mike Freeman, who will be 36 next season, and a younger lefty, Jake Dudley, who posted a 3.60 ERA in 2023 but is still early in his career. A pitcher of Wheeler’s calibre would provide a solid balance to the Padres’ starting staff, giving them a legitimate shot at a return to the playoffs.

Trade Value and Salary Considerations

The Sporting News piece points out that the Padres have a “healthy payroll” and the capacity to absorb Wheeler’s expected salary of $16‑$18 million per year, depending on the structure of the deal. The Padres’ current payroll is $139 million for the 2023 season, and the club has been known to “work hard for the money” with free‑agent signings and trade acquisitions. The Padres’ front office is therefore capable of meeting Wheeler’s financial demands, provided the club can deliver comparable assets to the Phillies in return.

The article quotes a Padres general manager, who emphasized that the club is “open to creative solutions,” a sentiment that has surfaced in recent trade rumours. The Padres would likely need to give up a combination of a top‑level reliever—perhaps Adam Molina, the veteran left‑handed closer, or a promising top prospect such as Alex Perry—to entice the Phillies into moving Wheeler. The trade would also involve a cash‑payoff component, a standard feature of most high‑salary deals.

The Phillies’ Perspective

From Philadelphia’s point of view, the trade is attractive for several reasons. First, the Phillies will be able to free up a large chunk of payroll—$14 million in the first year, plus the possibility of a $2 million rider in the second year—by sending Wheeler to San Diego. This would allow the club to pursue other free‑agents, including veteran catcher J.T. Realmuto, who is also a free agent in the same window. Secondly, the Phillies’ rotation will remain largely intact. They can still rely on the young right‑hander Ranger Parker, who posted a 4‑5 record with a 3.61 ERA in 2023, and the veteran lefty Tyler Parker, who had a 3‑5 record and a 4.10 ERA.

The Sporting News article notes that the Phillies have been keen on “strengthening the bullpen” and “rebuilding the lineup,” so a trade that yields a solid pitcher and a top prospect would be appealing.

Additional Context

The article also follows a link to a deeper profile of Zack Wheeler, which details his journey from the University of Alabama to his debut with the Phillies in 2017. That profile highlights Wheeler’s growth from a raw lefty to a reliable starter, emphasizing his mastery of the slider and his improved pick‑up on the fastball. It underscores the pitcher’s mental toughness, a trait that the Padres are eager to acquire.

There is also a link to a recent interview with Padres’ manager Mike Shildt, in which he speaks about the team’s “ambition to win a World Series” and the importance of “adding a top‑tier starter.” Shildt states, “If we could get a pitcher of Zack Wheeler’s level, we would be adding a cornerstone to our rotation.” His comments reinforce the sense that the Padres view Wheeler not just as a role player, but as a centerpiece in their rebuilding plans.

How the Trade Could Impact the Padres’ Future

If the Padres were to acquire Wheeler, the team’s competitive window would extend significantly. The club would now have a mix of seasoned veterans—Freeman, Machado, and Correa—and a robust rotation featuring Wheeler, who could pitch deep into games, reducing the strain on the bullpen. This would position the Padres as a serious contender for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, potentially pushing them into the World Series.

The article also discusses the broader trend of “trade‑buying” top talent in the offseason, a strategy that has become more prevalent in recent years. The Padres, who have shown a willingness to pursue trade deals in the past, could set a new precedent by acquiring a pitcher of Wheeler’s quality.

Bottom Line

In sum, the Sporting News article paints a clear picture: the Padres are a viable fit for Zack Wheeler, who is poised to become a top‑tier free agent. The trade would benefit both teams—the Padres would gain a reliable starter to complement their existing core, while the Phillies would free up salary and acquire a promising prospect. With both clubs looking to reshape their rosters and capitalize on the next wave of free‑agent talent, the trade could be a win‑win that alters the competitive balance in the National League West.