The baseball world was busy on Wednesday, with the Padres playing an especially large role in the proceedings. San Diego has dominated the offseason in recent years with GM AJ Preller always on the prowl for splashy moves. With eyes toward ascending into the National League playoff picture in 2020, it appears that Preller has plans to be very aggressive this winter.

News broke Wednesday morning that the Padres and Brewers had agreed to a deal that would send second baseman Luis Urias and Eric Lauer to Milwaukee, with outfielder Trent Grisham and pitcher Zach Davies going to San Diego. This trade seems odd on the surface, especially from the Padres’ perspective, but with young players the range of outcomes is certainly wider, so this is probably best characterized as a wait-and-see move.

Later, it was announced that the Padres had agreed to terms with free agent pitcher Drew Pomeranz on a four-year, $34 million deal. The left-hander was electric upon being traded to the Brewers and subsequently moved to the bullpen in the second-half of the 2019 season, and was seemingly destined for a healthy contract this offseason. This deal is certainly that, and gives the Padres an impressive back-end combination of Pomeranz and resident closer Kirby Yates.

In news unrelated to the Padres (unless they claim him), Jonathan Villar was placed on waivers by the Orioles. The utility man was a four-win player in 2019, with 24 home runs and 40 stolen bases, making his placement on the waiver wire a surprise. Where Villar lands remains to be seen, but it seems unlikely that he would pass through the entire league without a claim. Stay tuned for more on Villar.

MLB News

Crew acquires Urias, Lauer in deal with Padres

The details of the deal we touched on above. It’s strange for the Padres, but Grisham is talented.

Padres agree to deal with Pomeranz (source)

And the signing we touched on above. Pomeranz will be a problem when teamed with Yates.

Villar placed on waivers by Orioles

Could Villar make to the Braves in the waiver order? It’s unlikely, considering he plays so many positions and could be a fit for so many teams.

Mariners add Edwards Jr. to bullpen

An under-the-radar signing that could pay off, as Edwards has playoff experience and a high-90’s fastball that could play well in the caverns of SafeCo Field.