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The San Diego Padres are not limiting their search for starting pitching to either Tarik Skubal or a fallback plan, nor are they solely focused on low-cost options. According to reports from the GM Meetings in Las Vegas this week, the Padres have been characterized as active shoppers for multiple free agent starting pitchers. Beyond that, the specifics of their shopping list remain unclear.
As Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune noted, "the level of interest and the team's ability to compete in what is said to be an already-heated market is not known." The Padres are reportedly set to meet with Skubal, the top free agent pitcher this offseason. That meeting is seen as a routine first step and the minimum required to stay in the running for a pitcher who could command a contract of $400 million or more as a two-time Cy Young Award winner.
Outbidding the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers, who had the two highest payrolls in MLB in 2026, will be difficult for any team in the market for Skubal. The obvious question is whether new owners Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones have the financial resources and the willingness to spend what it takes to land Skubal.
"I think for them, 'all in' [means] you understand that you have to invest in not just payroll but it's ultimately in your players, your staff," president of baseball operations A.J. Preller told Jim Bowden of MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM. "They've been in there, asking tons of good questions. It's all about building something special. It's been a good start to the relationship."
If Skubal signs elsewhere, the Padres have other options. Preller cited in-house free agents Michael King, Nick Pivetta and Walker Buehler, and told Bowden "we've continued to talk to all three." The Padres have already dipped into the free agent market for one potential solution. Right-hander Ryan Weiss was designated for assignment by the Houston Astros in June after struggling in their bullpen, but he posted a 1.37 ERA as a starter over his final four Triple-A appearances of the season. The Padres aren't done after signing Weiss to a one-year contract with a 2028 option Tuesday.
Acee reported that "many people around the league have expressed the belief that the Padres will, for the first time in four winters, be a true player for a number of the top available free agents." The exact number of players and the specific free agents remain to be seen.
Key Analysis
The Padres' pursuit of multiple top free agent starters signals a potential shift in strategy under new ownership. While meeting with Skubal is a necessary step, the team's ability to compete financially with big-market clubs like the Mets and Dodgers will be closely watched. Preller's comments suggest that the new owners are engaged and willing to invest, but the market for elite pitching is already heated. If San Diego misses out on Skubal, retaining King, Pivetta, or Buehler could provide a solid fallback, and the low-risk signing of Weiss adds depth. Ultimately, the Padres appear poised to be more aggressive than in recent winters, but the outcome will depend on how far they are willing to go.