Padres' hopes lie in Orioles' front office as nightmare trade scenario emerges

While the Friar faithful are holding out hope that AJ Preller and the San Diego Padres can somehow upgrade the team's starting rotation before the MLB trade deadline expires, there are other teams with a similar agenda.

The Houston Astros are known to be in the market for starting pitching, with their GM recently saying the team is looking to target a big name before July 30. But the Padres' arch nemesis is on the prowl for another starter as well.

The Orioles might be the only thing standing between the Dodgers trading for Tarik Skubal

The Los Angeles Dodgers, whose pitching staff has dealt with a number of injuries this season, are on the lookout for a starter, and one of the biggest names potentially available at this year's deadline has reportedly caught their eye. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers have engaged with the Detroit Tigers in trade talks involving All-Star pitcher Tarik Skubal.

Thankfully, the Dodgers aren't the only contender looking at Skubal. Nightengale also mentioned the Baltimore Orioles as a possible trade partner, stating that they have had conversations with the Tigers about a potential blockbuster deal.

It's almost unfathomable at this point, but the Dodgers could add yet another top-shelf starter to their coffers if they pony up and land Skubal from Detroit. The Tigers left-hander is the leader in the clubhouse to take home the AL Cy Young Award this season.

The best-case scenario for the Padres would be Tarik Skubal staying with the Tigers

The chances of Skubal being dealt, at the moment, are not high. But Padres fans heard the same thing back in 2022 before San Diego made the mega-deal to acquire Juan Soto. Every team has a price, and the Dodgers' farm system is stocked with talent.

But the Dodgers may have met their match if the Orioles enter the equation. Baltimore is in need of a frontline starter, and Skubal certainly fits the bill. All signs point to former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes testing the free agent market this winter, meaning that the O's need an ace atop their rotation beyond the 2024 season. Skubal is under team control through 2026.

While Pads fans would love for their favorite team to acquire the All-Star hurler, there's no way Preller has the assets available to match any offer the O's or Dodgers could put forth — not unless the Padres want to move Ethan Salas.

The Padres need to acquire some pitching talent of their own, but if the Dodgers land Skubal, every other team in the National League might want to sit this one out. San Diego's brass is hopeful that Skubal either stays put in the Motor City or winds up in Baltimore. It would be the death knell for the Padres' World Series hopes if Skubal landed in LA.

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