Padres' top trade deadline need surprisingly involves Tarik Skubal

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Padres' top trade deadline need surprisingly involves Tarik Skubal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The San Diego Padres are in an interesting position.

Their .663 team OPS is the worst in the Majors. They have not received superstar seasons from Fernando Tatis Jr. or Manny Machado.

In fact, the duo has only combined for 18 home runs, with Machado connecting for 15 of them.

That's why it's curious that MLB.com's Mark Feinsand would list starting pitching help as San Diego's top trade deadline need.

"Yet another team in the market for pitching depth, the Padres rank 12th in the NL with a 4.51 rotation ERA, using 12 starters this season thanks to a number of injury issues," Feinsand wrote. "Can Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta come back at full strength to save the day? Is president of baseball operations A.J. Preller willing to take that gamble?"

No, the Padres' rotation has not been strong. But it's managed to get them to this point, just one game back of the third and final NL Wild Card spot.

"Adding a starter such as Michael Wacha or Seth Lugo could make sense, considering the Padres are unlikely to make the big splash for a top arm like Tarik Skubal," Feinsand added. "At least we think that’s the case; with Preller this time of year, you just never know."

MORE: Mets have eight projected trade chips, but only half, including Freddy Peralta, might be sought-after

Adding a veteran like Wacha or Lugo while simultaneously making offensive upgrades would be a great move for Preller at the deadline.

Skubal would be ideal for any contending club, but the price tag will be tremendously high.

The Padres won't make it far into the postseason if their bats, especially Tatis and Machado's, aren't able to heat up.

More MLB news:​

• Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani might not be able to pitch during MLB All-Star Game
• Phillies reportedly turn down Bryce Harper's outfield offer to help at trade deadline
• Giants are ‘hopeful ‘ they can trade Matt Chapman by MLB deadline
• Giants are 'pessimistic' they can trade Rafael Devers or Willy Adames
• Twins' Byron Buxton trade update is bad news for Phillies, Braves

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