The San Diego Padres wanted to trade for Nolan Arenado but didn't get him. Instead, Arenado ended up with the Arizona Diamondbacks in his trade away from the St. Louis Cardinals.
And now it sounds like the Padres are pivoting to starting pitching, trying to improve their team in free agency before everyone is off the market.
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports that the Padres are in on at least three names:
- Justin Verlander
- Nick Martinez
- Lucas Giolito
He adds that they would be hoping to sign any of those guys for between $8 million and $12 million per season.
The future Hall of Famer, Verlander, is coming off a season with the San Francisco Giants in which he got stronger as it went along and still looked capable of getting MLB hitters out. Verlander will turn 43 in February.
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Martinez had a solid season with the Cincinnati Reds and is a proven contributor who can pitch in the rotation or as a long man out of the bullpen.
Giolito was strong for the Red Sox in 2025, with the usual caveat for him of, when healthy. The former top prospect would be a solid addition for the Padres, as well.
Rosenthal also notes that the Padres are considered to be involved in trade pursuit of Brewers ace Freddy Peralta, who isn't guaranteed to move but would be a major addition if he does.
San Diego seems likely to make another move or two, and now it's just a matter of what it is.
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