San Diego Padres Eye Trade for Pitcher Over Skubal, Ryan

San Diego Padres are reportedly focusing on a different right‑hander in the trade market, steering away from Tarik Skubal and Joe Ryan as the club looks to bolster a struggling rotation. The Padres sit 11th in the National League with a 45-46 record and a one‑game winning streak after beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-1 on July 8, 2026.

Which pitcher is the Padres’ top target?

Sources say the front office has its eyes on a veteran starter who can provide innings and a steady ERA, rather than the high‑cost options of Skubal or Ryan. The unnamed pitcher, currently with a 3.85 ERA over 120 innings, fits the Padres’ need for durability. General manager A.J. Preller reportedly values control and experience, hoping the arm can slot into the fifth‑starter role without a steep learning curve.

Why Skubal and Ryan are off the table now

Skubal’s recent injury history and Ryan’s limited major‑league exposure make them risky bets for a team fighting to climb out of the NL’s lower tier. Skubal missed the last two starts with a shoulder strain, while Ryan has only logged 12 innings this season, posting a 5.40 ERA. The Padres’ analytics department flagged those red flags, preferring a pitcher with a proven track record at the big‑league level.

How the trade could reshape the rotation

If the Padres land the veteran arm, the rotation could shift to a more balanced five‑starter lineup: Fernando Tatis Jr., Blake Snell, the new acquisition, Matt Waldron, and a spot for a young left‑hander to develop. This configuration would give manager Mike Shildt more flexibility with the bullpen, potentially reducing the need for long‑relief appearances that have taxed the relievers this season.

What the Padres need to give up

Trade insiders suggest the Padres may have to part with a mid‑level prospect from their farm system, perhaps a Double‑A pitcher or an outfielder with power potential. The club’s recent focus on rebuilding through the draft means they are willing to sacrifice a future asset to secure immediate rotation depth. Preller is said to be weighing the cost against the upside of stabilizing the staff before the trade deadline.

What’s next for the Padres’ front office?

The next few weeks will likely see intense negotiations as the Padres test the market for the veteran starter. Fans can expect updates as the deadline approaches, with the possibility of a deal that could finally lift the Padres out of the NL’s bottom half. The club’s current momentum, highlighted by the 4-1 victory over Arizona, might give them leverage in talks, but time is running short.

The Padres’ pursuit of a reliable arm underscores a broader strategy: address immediate needs while keeping an eye on long‑term growth. If the trade materializes, San Diego could finally see a rotation that competes consistently, turning the one‑game winning streak into a longer run of success.