Padres ‘Kicking the Tires’ on Blockbuster Trade for MLB Strikeout Leader

After swinging trades to add Dylan Cease and Luis Arraez this year, the San Diego Padres have little choice but to double down on playoff contention, even as they sit only one game above .500 and just outside of the wild-card race with two weeks to go until the trade deadline.

Additional roster upgrades might come in many forms, as general manager A.J. Preller has long been one of the most aggressive executives in MLB. But a new report suggests a blockbuster arm for the pitching staff could be highest on the wish list.

“Preller is doing what he always does, by which I mean he’s kicking the tires on every star player who could be traded this July, including Garrett Crochet, the most sought-after starter on the trade market,” according to Jim Bowden of The Athletic .

Crochet certainly has earned the interest of contending clubs this summer. Making his debut as a starter for the Chicago White Sox this year, the 25-year-old southpaw has maintained a stellar 3.02 ERA across 20 starts, racking up an MLB-leading 150 strikeouts. What’s more, he’s earning just $800,000 this season with two more years of arbitration eligibility ahead, and the White Sox are decidedly selling.

The Padres will face some stiff competition to land Crochet. Dayn Perry of CBS Sports recently predicted the Los Angeles Dodgers will ultimately land Crochet, and the New York Yankees have reportedly received an asking price for the pitcher in their own negotiations with the White Sox.

Related: Dodgers Projected to Land MLB Strikeout Leader in Blockbuster Trade

As a result, Preller will have to do much more than just kick some tires if he wants to continue his streak of blockbuster acquisitions this year.

“With the trade market heating up and many teams looking to improve their chances, the Padres will need to be creative and persistent in their efforts to land top talent,” William Frost wrote for Inside The Padres , adding that the Padres were rejected in an initial offer for Crochet. “The pursuit of Crochet highlights their commitment to enhancing their roster and making a deep playoff run.”

Related: Yankees Face Steep Price in Blockbuster Trade for MLB Strikeout Leader