MLB rumors: Padres interested in Jose Ramirez trade before Opening Day

The San Diego Padres are reportedly interested in a trade with the Cleveland Guardians for third baseman Jose Ramirez.

The San Diego Padres made it a goal to bolster their roster ahead of the season to contend in the National League. They did just that by acquiring starting pitcher Sean Manaea from the Oakland Athletics. But, the Padres are reportedly not done ahead of Opening Day on Apr. 7.

According to Hector Gomez of Z101 Digital, the Padres are interested in making a trade with the Cleveland Guardians to acquire third baseman Jose Ramirez.

Padres reportedly interested in Jose Ramirez trade

Ramirez is due for a new contract in the near future. He is set to make $12 million for the 2022 season and has a $14 million club option for the 2023 season. Then, he will become an unrestricted free agent.

According to Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com, the Guardians and Ramirez were talking about a contract extension but they appear to have “bogged down, if not ended.”

After finishing as the AL MVP runner-up in the 2020 truncated season, Ramirez put up strong numbers in 2021. Through 152 games, the third baseman slashed .266/.355/.538 and recorded 36 home runs, 103 RBI, 111 runs scored and 147 hits.

The Padres will start off the season without Fernando Tatis Jr., as he recovers from a wrist injury. Even so, their infield is pretty stacked with Manny Machado, Jake Cronenworth and Ha-Seong Kim.

Adding Ramirez to the Padres will add even more power to their lineup. Whether a trade actually happens remains to be seen.