Reds could flip Winter Meetings on its head with Padres hunting for blockbuster deal

San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller is everything Cincinnati Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall is not. Preller is bold and fearless, and some might even say reckless. Krall, on the other hand, is boring and mundane, and rarely willing to take a risk.

But maybe, just maybe, these two baseball brainiacs can get together at this week's MLB Winter Meetings and pull off the ultimate blockbuster trade. It sounds like Preller is aiming to do just that, and what the Padres are willing to move could dictate whether Krall wants to get involved or not.

Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune (subscription required) recently wrote a piece describing the Padres' approach to the Winter Meetings and the offseason as a whole. Much like the Reds, the Friars plan to operate at the same level of spending they did in 2025.

Reds and Padres could be perfect trade partners as San Diego looks to make a splash at the Winter Meetings

But while the Padres' payroll ($224 million last season) certainly outpaces the Reds' minuscule number of $120 million, San Diego has two major holes to fill — namely in their starting rotation. After losing Dylan Cease to the Toronto Blue Jays, and Michael King likely to sign elsewhere, the Padres' rotation is on life support heading into next season. Nick Pivetta is still around, but is also on the trade block.

According to Cot's Baseball Contracts, the Padres already have over $196 million committed toward next season, meaning they'll need to dump some salary (or find some low-cost arms) if they hope to secure some big-time starters that can help them contend in the uber-competitive NL West.

The Reds, as most fans know, have an abundance of starting pitching. While both Krall and manager Terry Francona have dismissed the idea that Reds' ace Hunter Greene is on the trade block, he's arguably one of their greatest assets. Cincinnati pitchers Nick Lodolo, Brady Singer, and even Rhett Lowder could conceivably be moved if the offer was right.

The Padres have a multitude of expensive contracts, and would likely look to shed at least one in an effort to bring back a haul this offseason. In fact, Acee is reports that Preller is "shooting big" with sources claiming the Padres are working multiple fronts that could result in deals that rival the massive trade in which they acquired four major leaguers in exchange for Juan Soto and Trent Grisham two years ago.

After missing on free agent slugger Kyle Schwarber, the Reds have no choice but to pivot. Without the hometown connection, it's difficult to see the Reds spending on any other high-profile free agents this winter. A trade, however, that would bring a cost-controlled bat into the organization could be worth the gamble.

Manny Machado, who's close friends with Reds rookie Sal Stewart, has a full no-trade clause and is owed far too much money. Padres' right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. could turn Great American Ball Park into his own personal playground, but reports suggest that he's off limits. Centerfielder Jackson Merrill, however, is on an affordable deal and would be the perfect fit in Cincinnati's outfield.

While it's unknown which players or prospects Preller and Padres would be willing to move, it would behoove the Reds' front office to at least inquire. Elly De La Cruz is likely gone after his arbitration years expire, meaning Cincinnati should be looking to win now.

A bold play for one of San Diego's top talents could be exactly the route Krall and Co. need to take a Winter Meetings this week. But it's going to require Krall to do something he rarely does — be bold.