The San Diego Padres are aggressively pursuing starting pitchers to address a rotation that currently includes Joe Musgrove, Randy Vásquez, JP Sears, Jhony Brito, and one uncertain spot. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres have expressed interest in nearly every free-agent starter still available, from Tarik Skubal to Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, Dustin May, and Kaima Taira. ESPN reports that the team has a meeting scheduled with Skubal and has also shown interest in Freddy Peralta, Michael King, Nick Pivetta, and Nick Martinez. The Padres appear determined to secure at least two starters before the offseason stalls with the looming MLB collective bargaining agreement expiration on December 1.
The rotation situation is pressing if the Padres want to maintain their status as contenders. Their current depth beyond Musgrove and Vásquez lacks proven consistency. The search for starting pitching has become the club’s priority amid expectations of a lockout once the current CBA expires at 11:59 p.m. ET on December 1. Until then, player movement is likely to accelerate, as seen with the Boston Red Sox signing Jake Bauers.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles have entered trade discussions involving Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte, according to MLB.com. The Orioles’ interest complicates what seemed like a Blue Jays-Diamondbacks negotiation. Baltimore’s infield is crowded with prospects and players like Jackson Holliday, Jordan Westburg, Blaze Alexander, Coby Mayo, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand. The Orioles reportedly seek outfield help, which could lead to a series of moves if they acquire Marte, including shifting some infielders or making additional trades.
The New York Mets have also been active on the trade and free-agent front. The team has shown interest in free agent Ty France as they consider options at first base, the New York Post reports. France, 32, played for the Padres last season, hitting .295/.363/.502 with 21 home runs and 72 RBIs. He also posted a career-high 4.5 WAR in 2026. The Mets currently have Jared Young, Mark Vientos, and Jorge Polanco as first-base options, but Young is recovering from a serious head injury. France’s experience and production could provide valuable depth.
In relief pitching news, Jonathan Loáisiga is close to signing with a new team. ESPN notes that five teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, are involved in talks for the right-handed reliever. The New York Post adds the Philadelphia Phillies, Mets, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays to the list of interested teams. Loáisiga had 67 appearances last season for the Arizona Diamondbacks, pitching to a 2.42 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP and 48 strikeouts over 67 innings.
The New York Yankees have re-signed left-handed reliever Tim Hill to a one-year, $2.25 million deal with a $2.5 million club option for 2028, ESPN confirms. Hill, 36, appeared in 67 games last season, posting a 4.60 ERA and 1.14 WHIP with 25 strikeouts in 58 ⅔ innings. He held left-handed hitters to a .213/.265/.346 line.
The Padres’ active search for starters reflects a broader urgency across MLB teams to finalize rosters before the collective bargaining agreement expires. With a lockout expected to follow, the next two weeks may see a flurry of trades and contract signings as clubs try to fill roster gaps.
According to CBS.
