MLB trade rumors: San Diego Padres looking at $5.8 million veteran pitcher to add rotation depth ahead of offseason

The San Diego Padres are still working on their pitching staff before the 2026 season. The main focus is adding a starter who can handle a full workload without a large contract.Zack Littell is one of the names being discussed. The 30-year-old right-hander had a 3.81 ERA with 130 strikeouts in 186.2 innings in 2025, splitting time between the Tampa Bay Rays and Cincinnati Reds.

He is a free agent, and a deal in the range of three years and $39 million is seen as a realistic outcome.How Littell fits into the current rotationSan Diego’s rotation currently includes Nick Pivetta, Michael King, Joe Musgrove, Randy Vásquez, and JP Sears. The group has some quality, but there are concerns about durability and depth.Littell would give the Padres another reliable option. The team could move to a six-man rotation, which would help manage innings, especially for Musgrove, who is coming back from surgery, and King, who has dealt with injuries.Since Littell is unsigned, no trade is required. A contract around $13 million per year is expected, with possible bonuses tied to innings pitched, such as reaching 180 innings.What the Padres would be gettingLittell has been steady over time. He has a career 3.88 ERA and 1.21 WHIP across 602.2 innings. He is not a top-end starter, but he can provide consistent innings.Petco Park could help him. The stadium tends to limit home runs, which matters because Littell gave up 36 in 2025.

That is the main concern in his numbers.For Littell, the move would offer a chance to pitch for a competitive team and secure a multi-year contract at this stage of his career.Strengths and concernsLittell has been durable. He has averaged 28 starts over the last two seasons and limits walks, with 32 last year.The main issue is home runs. Allowing 36 in one season is a risk, even in a favorable ballpark. At 30, he is also not a long-term solution at the top of the rotation.Stat TablesLittell 2025 Season ValueW-L Record 10-8ERA 3.81Innings 186.2Strikeouts 130WHIP 1.10Home Runs Allowed 36Padres 2026 Rotation RoleNick Pivetta AceMichael King No. 2Joe Musgrove No. 3Randy Vásquez No. 4JP Sears No. 5Zack Littell (Projected) No. 6Overall viewThis move would address a need without a major commitment. Littell gives the Padres innings and stability. The value depends on whether he can reduce the number of home runs he allows.