The San Diego Padres looked poised to acquire Jose Ramirez following stalled contract extension talks with the Cleveland Guardians. Their pursuit failed, though, as Ramirez agreed to a lucrative new deal with Cleveland.

Ramirez would have been a great addition in the infield next to Fernando Tatis Jr. (once he recovers from his wrist injury) and Manny Machado. He has experience at second base, so he could have fit in well on the field (while possibly moving All-Star Jake Cronenworth to first base) and provided another high-powered bat. Unfortunately for San Diego, Ramirez and Cleveland agreed to stick together.

The Padres made a very big effort to try to acquire the star third baseman. Ken Rosenthal reported that they were very close to acquiring Ramirez since Cleveland was also in talks with teams about trading him. Rosenthal said that the Guardians were inquiring about the potential players they would have gotten.

San Diego still has plenty of talent to compete in the National League, though Tatis will have to recover before they can truly ascend to playoff contention. They do have top prospect C.J. Abrams, who is fitting right in, playing short right tough he is. struggling. He will have to be moved around when Tatis comes back.

Cleveland, meanwhile, can build off of Ramirez and the promising start from Steven Kwan as they look to get back to the postseason.