Padres rumors: San Diego could turn to ageless starting pitcher down the stretch

With the MLB trade deadline inching closer and closer, the rumors are only going to continue to intensify for the San Diego Padres. Normally right in the middle of the trading chaos, this year could be no different for the Padres.

They need a left fielder, a catcher, and ideally one more starting pitcher. The Friars would like to add these players, but will also likely part ways with one of their top-end starters in Dylan Cease. Now, while that may just be Cease's fate all along, this only makes it imperative for the Padres to acquire a starting pitcher... even if it isn't the guy Friars fans really want.

Padres may settle for acquiring Orioles starter Charlie Morton

Now, is Charlie Morton anyone's top choice? Probably not, but the 41-year-old has been confirmed to be part of the trade discussion between Baltimore and San Diego. We can sigh about it all we want, but San Diego may just be Morton's next stop, which would be his seventh team.

Morton isn't quite the dominant pitcher he once was, but the right-hander is still racking up plenty of swings and misses in 2025, giving him a K/9 north of 9.0 in his 18th big league season. Not terrible.

Let's not pretend that Morton can't still piece together some solid outings. Across his last seven starts, he is 4-1 with 42 strikeouts in 39 1/3 innings. On Wednesday night at Cleveland, Morton spun seven punch-outs in a strong 6 2/3 frames start, which handed him his fifth quality start of the year.

That spin rate on his curveball is still elite, too.

Also, if the Friars were to make a deal with the O's, they likely would not just target Morton. San Diego is in desperate need of a catcher, and Adley Rutschman may just be the perfect addition. Baltimore essentially cemented Rutschman's exit with the franchise after drafting two catchers in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft, signaling that he will be gone sooner rather than later. So, a trade package with Morton and Rutschman could wind up being what the Padres get.

The Orioles are already starting their fire sale, too, sending reliever Gregory Soto to the New York Mets. Morton could be the next one gone.