Padres: Three starting pitchers to target before deadline

1. Lance Lynn

Lance Lynn is arguably the most coveted pitcher on the trade market. Had you told me that a couple of years ago, I’m not sure if I would have finished laughing. The Padres recently saw Lynn in their series, touching him up for two runs over seven innings.

Once one this year has Lynn failed to go at least six innings, which is exactly what the Padres need in their rotation. The big righty has an absurd 1.59 ERA through 7 starts, fanning 50 batters over 45.1 innings.

If acquired, the Padres will have Lynn in the rotation through next season as well, at a $9.3M fee, which could complicate plans for MacKenzie Gore and others looking to join the rotation.

But, as noted, Richards is a free agent after the conclusion of the 2020 shortened season. He’ll likely walk, and who knows if Gore will be ready for the rotation, given the lack of a minor league season this year, and he’s yet to see an inning at the big league level.