"Even after adding Michael King back to their rotation last month, Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic report that the Padres are hoping to add another starter before the season begins. With that being said, however, it appears no deal is particularly imminent. Rosenthal and Sammon go on to write that the club has indicated to multiple players' agents around the league that they "are not yet ready to move" on the pitching market."
"RosterResource estimates San Diego's 2026 payroll at $220MM, a modest increase over last year's $211MM figure. For luxury tax purposes, this year's $262MM is virtually identical to 2025's $263MM figure. There's been no indication to this point that the club is willing to scale it's payroll up substantially from last year's numbers, and signing even a mid-rotation free agent like Lucas Giolito or Chris Bassitt could cost somewhere between $15MM and $20MM in terms of annual salary."
Michael King was added back to the Padres' rotation last month, yet the club remains interested in adding another starting pitcher before the season. No imminent deal appears likely, and the club has told multiple players' agents that they 'are not yet ready to move' on the pitching market. Payroll estimates put San Diego's 2026 payroll at $220MM and the luxury tax threshold near $262MM, limiting room for large additions. Signing a mid-rotation free agent could cost $15–20MM annually. Trading Nick Pivetta, who carries a $20.5MM salary, could free money and return young pitching or roster help. Prior talks involving Pivetta and players such as Mason Miller did not advance.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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