Padres Owners Submit Final Sale Papers, Pushing Vote Until After Aug. 3 Deadline

Q: Why won't the Rockies trade their All-Star catcher despite having the league's worst record?

The Rockies are not planning to trade Hunter Goodman because they view him as a core piece of their rebuild, not a short-term asset to cash in. Goodman is only 26, is a two-time All-Star, and remains under club control through 2029, which gives Colorado no urgency to move him. For a last-place team, that kind of affordable, controllable talent is more valuable as a foundation than as a deadline chip. Industry reporting indicates the Rockies would only consider dealing him for an overwhelming return. His performance also makes him unusually hard to replace. Goodman has been one of the most productive offensive catchers in baseball, with 30 home runs in 92 games and strong road production that undercuts the idea that his value is inflated by Coors Field. Catchers with that level of power are rare, and Colorado’s front office sees him as a player to build around. That fits the broader strategy under new baseball operations chief Paul DePodesta and Josh Byrnes. The Rockies are expected to trade expiring contracts and other movable veterans, but not young players they believe can anchor the next competitive team. Goodman’s age, production, and years of control put him in that protected category. There is also a clubhouse and culture element. Colorado is trying to create momentum during a rebuild, and moving one of its few established stars would run against that goal unless another club offered an extraordinary package.

Q: With 26 pitcher injuries, which ace can the desperate Chicago Cubs acquire to salvage their season?

The Cubs’ clearest ace target is **Tarik Skubal** of the Tigers, with **Robbie Ray** the more realistic fallback and **Joe Ryan** or **Casey Mize** strong secondary options. Skubal best fits the “salvage the season” brief because he is widely viewed as the top arm who could actually move the deadline market. He is described as a game-changing ace, a back-to-back Cy Young winner, and the kind of starter who can carry a club in October. The Cubs have been identified as a logical fit. The problem is cost and availability: Detroit is expected to wait until the last minute, and any deal would require a massive prospect package. If Chicago wants a more attainable frontline starter, **Robbie Ray** stands out. He has been directly linked to the Cubs, is confirmed available from San Francisco, and offers proven top-of-the-rotation pedigree as a former Cy Young winner. He is also likely to cost less than Skubal because he is a rental. **Joe Ryan** is another high-end possibility if Minnesota sells. He is having an ace-level season, has an extra year of control, and would give the Cubs more than a short-term fix. **Casey Mize** is a similar upside play, with front-line results this year, though his market depends on Detroit’s direction. Given the Cubs’ 26 pitcher injuries, Skubal is the best possible acquisition. Ray is the most practical one.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 23

San Diego's incoming ownership group led by Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones filed the final documents needed to advance the Padres' sale to an MLB ownership vote, ESPN reported.
A vote still has not been scheduled, and additional administrative work remains, meaning approval will not come until sometime after the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
That leaves the Padres in transition through the deadline, but the uncertainty is not expected to alter president of baseball operations A.J. Preller's approach.
A.J. Preller still prefers to buy if the club stays in the race, though San Diego entered Thursday 2 games under .500 and 3 games out of a wild-card spot with 5 teams ahead.
If the Padres fail to gain ground during upcoming series against the Marlins, Rockies and Giants, Preller could pivot to selling bullpen pieces, with Mason Miller the top name.