si
The San Diego Padres are approaching the 2026-27 offseason with a win-now mentality, and their top priority is clear: upgrade the starting rotation. Among their targets, Michael King and Tarik Skubal sit atop the wishlist, with Skubal widely regarded as the best free agent available.
San Diego has been frequently linked to the two-time Cy Young Award winner, and Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that the Padres now have better odds to sign Skubal than the Los Angeles Dodgers. Heyman places the Padres at 4-1 odds, while the Dodgers sit at 5-1.
Heyman points to the influence of new owners Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones, along with the bold approach of baseball operations president A.J. Preller. In Heyman's words, the Padres have "excited and engaged new owners" and "baseball's biggest go-for-it agent" in Preller, and speculation is mounting that they will make a serious play for Skubal.
Still, the competition is intense. The New York Mets, according to Heyman, hold the best odds to land Skubal. The Toronto Blue Jays are the fourth known team scheduled to meet with the left-hander, and at least two other clubs are expected to join the fray.
Key Analysis
The Padres have already taken concrete steps toward a potential deal. Team brass met with Skubal's agent, Scott Boras, during the general managers' meetings in Las Vegas this week, and a meeting with Skubal himself is set for next week, with the new owners expected to attend.
Heyman views the Padres as a legitimate threat to the Mets for Skubal, writing that while the Mets may be considered the favorite due to Steve Cohen's deep pockets, San Diego is an intriguing wild card. Heyman notes that the new owners are "very committed" to winning, as stated by Preller.
Preller and the new ownership group are aggressively seeking to replenish a depleted rotation. Starting pitching is the Padres' No. 1 offseason need, and Skubal stands out as the marquee arm on the market. Despite lacking the financial flexibility of the Dodgers or Mets, San Diego is determined to do whatever it takes to strengthen its rotation.