Multiple reports say the San Diego Padres’ offensive struggles are lowering their chances of acquiring Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal before the MLB trade deadline. The articles frame the situation around the Padres’ trade approach under president of baseball operations A.J. Preller, who is described as proactive and willing to pursue major moves when there is a clear fit.
However, the reports connect Skubal’s potential availability to the Padres’ current ability to add and sustain the kind of trade package and roster support typically required for an elite starting pitcher. With the Padres’ offense performing below expectations, they may have less flexibility or urgency to make a high-cost trade aimed at immediate contention.
Together, the sources suggest that while the Padres have shown they can be aggressive at the deadline in the past, their current offensive performance makes a deal for Skubal less likely. The reporting points to how recent roster decisions and trade activity—such as last summer’s acquisition of Mason Miller from the Athletics—illustrate Preller’s willingness to act, but also highlights that current offensive production is a key factor shaping expectations for this deadline.
