Padres rumors: Insider calls San Diego ‘early favorite’ to trade for Tarik Skubal

Will the Detroit Tigers trade Tarik Skubal before the deadline? At the moment, Skubal is recovering from an elbow injury. Once he returns, though, one of the most popular subjects of discussion will swirl around whether or not Detroit will trade the two-time Cy Young winner. The conversations have already started, however, and MLB insider Buster Olney believes the San Diego Padres are the “early favorite” to acquire the starter if the Tigers do end up making him available for a trade.

“I think San Diego is going to get him,” Olney said, via ESPN Podcasts. “… They need a starting pitcher. We know AJ Preller, and I say this respectfully, he’s a little crazy at this time of year. He makes deals to win the World Series… They make deals to try to win. Skubal would be a fit… My early favorite, the San Diego Padres.”

Skubal will enter free agency following the 2026 MLB season. He is not expected to re-sign with the Tigers. Detroit is currently in last place in the American League Central standings. They will likely have to seriously consider trading Skubal before the deadline unless they bounce back and emerge as a legitimate contender soon.

Meanwhile, the Padres’ offense has been their biggest concern. They could certainly look to add a bat. However, the Padres would also benefit from acquiring another starter, especially a star such as Skubal.

The Padres are currently tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for second place in the National League West. Both ball clubs trail the Los Angeles Dodgers. Even if they had to settle for a Wild Card spot, acquiring Skubal would give them a tremendous opportunity to upset a team like the Dodgers in a potential postseason series.

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