The San Diego Padres have already lost one of their top starting pitchers, as Dylan Cease signed a seven-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. Meanwhile, Michael King remains a free agent, and it appears unlikely that San Diego will be able to bring him back.
With Yu Darvish expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2026 season, the Padres face an urgent need to add one or two starting pitchers this offseason to avoid falling behind. Fortunately, there are several intriguing free-agent options available for the team to explore.
At the same time, the trade market cannot be ignored. Multiple high-profile pitchers have been rumored to be available via trade, and it would be wise for San Diego to see who might be within reach.
Padres eye rotation boost through potential Rays trade
Freddy Peralta and Tarik Skubal are among the top pitchers potentially available in trades. While either would be a strong addition for San Diego, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden projects that the Padres could look to the Tampa Bay Rays to strengthen their rotation.
Bowden suggests that San Diego might acquire Drew Rasmussen and Shane Baz in exchange for Ethan Salas, Miguel Mendez, Humberto Cruz, and Bradgley Rodriguez.
“With Yu Darvish’s future uncertain and Michael King heading into free agency, the Padres need to quickly rebuild their rotation. Rasmussen and Baz would provide two immediate starting options, while the Rays receive the high-upside catching prospect Salas along with young pitching talent to develop,” Bowden explained.
According to Bowden, the trade would be mutually beneficial: San Diego secures two ready-to-go starters, and Tampa Bay adds a promising catcher and young arms for the future.