3 ways the Padres can lose the MLB trade deadline

Padres prioritizing adding pitchers to the roster

The Padres are doing great with their current roster of pitchers, which has led to a big portion of the team’s overall success this season. Though there is room for improvement, their starting rotation shouldn’t be focused on too much just yet.

The Padres were recently linked to Shohei Ohtani rumors (credit to The Athletic), which would be a beneficial trade. Ohtani is the defending AL MVP and is often utilized as a designated hitter, which is unique since most pitchers don’t hit at all. He’d provide more of what the team needs, but most pitchers wouldn’t.

The Padres have also been tied to Luis Castillo and Frankie Montas (credit to ESPN) who would help the team long-term but, overall, wouldn’t be the most important players to join the team.

As of right now, Yu Darvish is reliable enough and under team control until 2024. Joe Musgrove is eligible for free agency in 2023, but according to R.J. Anderson with CBS, Musgrove and the Padres are optimistic about reaching an extension agreement.

Mike Clevinger also hits free agency eligibility in 2023, and his future in San Diego is unclear. Musgrove and Darvish, however, have enough talent to continue success (anticipating an extension for Musgrove).

The Padres could undoubtedly benefit from adding another pitcher, but unless it’s Ohtani, it shouldn’t be among their top priorities.