Overview
- In mid-November the Padres stepped up their search for starters by scheduling meetings with Tarik Skubal and speaking with agents for a wide range of free agents.
- San Diego has shown interest in specific names including Freddy Peralta, Nick Martinez, Matthew Boyd and Foster Griffin while also evaluating reunions with Michael King and Nick Pivetta.
- The urgency reflects a major hole in the staff: at least four and possibly five rotation spots must be filled after multiple starters reached free agency.
- President A.J. Preller will discuss spending capacity with new owners Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones as the club considers larger contracts, opt-outs and short-term high‑AAV deals to balance risk and innings.
- If the Padres follow through on higher payroll commitments the moves could quickly reshape their roster strategy, push them toward a top‑10 payroll and affect the wider starting‑pitcher market this winter.