‘Optimism’ for Padres, Joe Musgrove extension deal being completed this week

The San Diego Padres are in a difficult situation with All-Star pitcher Joe Musgrove entering free agency after this season. According to Kevin Acee with the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres have resumed talks with Musgrove’s representatives for an extension.

Acee wrote:

"“The Padres and representatives for pitcher Joe Musgrove recently resumed talks regarding a long-term contract, and multiple sources said there is optimism the deal could be completed this week.”"

Musgrove is seemingly motivating the Padres to work toward a deal and has “made it clear” that he will become a free agent if a deal isn’t reached soon.

Musgrove is the best pitcher in San Diego this season and is looking for an “enticing offer” to stay. Now, with his All-Star status, he likely would be a popular target for other teams if he was looking to leave San Diego.

Padres Joe Musgrove would likely be a popular target for other teams for his achievements

The Padres don’t have a shortage of reliable pitchers this season, but none of them have done what Musgrove has.

Musgrove is having the best season of his career and is producing an ERA of 2.42, batting average against of .205 and WHIP of 0.97. He has the eighth-best ERA in all of MLB and fourth-best in the NL. He’s tied for fourth-best quality starts in MLB.

The second-best pitcher in San Diego, Yu Darvish, trails slightly behind Musgrove in BAA (.214) and WHIP (0.99) but has a much higher ERA (3.41). Beyond Darvish, the starters produce average numbers.

If the Padres want to continue working toward the success of the team, extending Musgrove should be a priority.