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The San Diego Padres are expected to be aggressive leading up to the MLB trade deadline, and their biggest priority appears to be strengthening a starting rotation that has struggled throughout much of the season.
According to MLB insider Joel Sherman, the Padres are determined to acquire at least one starting pitcher before the deadline, with San Francisco Giants left-hander Robbie Ray among the pitchers on their radar.
Adding a former Cy Young Award winner would be a significant move for a San Diego club trying to keep pace in the National League Wild Card race.
MORE: 2026 MLB Trade Deadline deal tracker & analysis
Jun 17, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray (38) pitches the ball against the Atlanta Braves during the fourth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
The Padres’ rotation has been one of the club’s biggest weaknesses this season, making an experienced arm like Ray an ideal target.
When healthy, Ray has shown he can pitch at the front of a rotation and dominate opposing lineups. His veteran presence and ability to miss bats would give San Diego another dependable starter as the postseason race heats up.
With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Padres appear determined to address that need rather than relying solely on internal options.
MORE: Updated 2026 World Series odds following the Dodgers’ trade for Tarik Skubal
While trades between division rivals are relatively uncommon, they certainly aren’t impossible.
The Giants and Padres know each other well, but if San Diego presents a strong enough package, San Francisco could decide that maximizing its return is more important than where Ray ultimately lands.
For the Padres, acquiring Ray would provide a much-needed boost to a rotation that has lacked consistency for much of the year. For the Giants, moving a veteran starter could help strengthen the organization’s future with young talent.
If the two sides can agree on the right return, this could become one of the more surprising deals of the trade deadline despite the long-standing rivalry between the two National League West clubs.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
Continue reading...
According to MLB insider Joel Sherman, the Padres are determined to acquire at least one starting pitcher before the deadline, with San Francisco Giants left-hander Robbie Ray among the pitchers on their radar.
Adding a former Cy Young Award winner would be a significant move for a San Diego club trying to keep pace in the National League Wild Card race.
MORE: 2026 MLB Trade Deadline deal tracker & analysis
Robbie Ray Would Fill a Major Need
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Jun 17, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray (38) pitches the ball against the Atlanta Braves during the fourth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
The Padres’ rotation has been one of the club’s biggest weaknesses this season, making an experienced arm like Ray an ideal target.
When healthy, Ray has shown he can pitch at the front of a rotation and dominate opposing lineups. His veteran presence and ability to miss bats would give San Diego another dependable starter as the postseason race heats up.
With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Padres appear determined to address that need rather than relying solely on internal options.
MORE: Updated 2026 World Series odds following the Dodgers’ trade for Tarik Skubal
Rivals Could Still Make a Deal
While trades between division rivals are relatively uncommon, they certainly aren’t impossible.
The Giants and Padres know each other well, but if San Diego presents a strong enough package, San Francisco could decide that maximizing its return is more important than where Ray ultimately lands.
For the Padres, acquiring Ray would provide a much-needed boost to a rotation that has lacked consistency for much of the year. For the Giants, moving a veteran starter could help strengthen the organization’s future with young talent.
If the two sides can agree on the right return, this could become one of the more surprising deals of the trade deadline despite the long-standing rivalry between the two National League West clubs.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
Continue reading...
