Should the Padres Take a Flier on Former AL West Ace?

This would be a huge upside play with little risk

The Padres need pitching for 2024. After losing Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, and likely Blake Snell, the rotation is not only thin but lacks top-end talent. There's a former AL West pitcher on the market that the Padres could make a play for to help with their rotational depth.

Former Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees starting pitcher Frankie Montas could be a cheap option for the backend of the rotation. He missed nearly all of 2023 with a shoulder injury but did make an appearance at the end of the year.

Before the trade and injury, Montas, 30, headlined an A's rotation that included former Padre Sean Mannea. A career 3.90 pitcher, he does occasionally flash ace-level talent.

Back in 2021, the right-hander received Cy Young votes after striking out 207 batters with a 3.37 ERA. Since then, he's struggled with his command and keeping the ball in the park.

Pitching in San Diego could be exactly what he needs.

First, he'd get to work with Ruben Neabla to make any mechanical adjustments he needs. Second, he'd pitch in front of one of the league's best defenses. He does have numbers that indicate he's had some bad luck in the past. Last, Petco, if nothing else, is a pitcher's park. It could help him keep the ball from leaving the yard.

A cheap option with plenty of upside is exactly what A.J. Preller is looking for right now. At worst, he eats some innings and keeps the bullpen fresh. At best, he provides a quality outing and keeps the game within reach for the offense to do their job.

It's not a splashy name, but an intriguing one to keep an eye on moving forward.