The San Diego Padres are now searching for rotation help after Nick Pivetta was placed on the injured list with a right elbow flexor strain, a situation that could push baseball operations chief A.J. Preller to pursue reinforcements.
Manager Craig Stammen emphasized Preller’s aggressive approach, noting his constant drive to improve the roster, which has already positioned the Padres as a competitive team.
San Diego has reportedly already shown interest in free agent pitcher Lucas Giolito, who delivered a strong season with the Boston Red Sox last year, making him a logical candidate to fill the rotation gap.
A more speculative scenario involves a proposed blockbuster trade idea suggesting the New York Mets could deal ace Freddy Peralta to the Padres in exchange for a package of top prospects, though such a move appears unlikely given New York’s recent investment in him.
While the Mets are struggling early in the season and facing pressure to improve, trading away a key starter would likely hurt their playoff chances, whereas the Padres are expected to remain aggressive buyers as they aim for another postseason run.
