Padres Viewed as Strong Trade Deadline Fit for Blue Jays Starter Kevin Gausman

The San Diego Padres continue to search for rotation help as the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline approaches, with starting pitching remaining one of the organization’s top priorities.

A series of injuries has tested the Padres’ pitching depth throughout the season. Although Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta are expected to return from the injured list before the regular season ends, San Diego could still look to strengthen its rotation for the playoff push.

Adding another experienced starter would provide valuable insurance in case either Musgrove or Pivetta experiences setbacks during their recovery.

One pitcher drawing attention is Toronto Blue Jays veteran Kevin Gausman. Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently identified the Padres as one of the most logical destinations if Toronto decides to move the former All-Star before the deadline.

Why Kevin Gausman Makes Sense for San Diego

Gausman is set to become a free agent after the season, making him an appealing trade candidate if the Blue Jays continue to sell ahead of the deadline.

Although he delivered an excellent 2025 campaign, the veteran has been less effective in 2026, posting a 4.51 ERA across 21 starts. Even so, his track record and experience suggest he could rebound over the final months of the season, particularly with a contender.

San Diego has developed a reputation for helping pitchers rediscover their top form, making the Padres a potential landing spot where Gausman could regain his consistency.

Adding the right-hander would also give the club another dependable innings eater, easing the workload on a rotation that has dealt with significant health concerns throughout the year.

Playoff Experience Adds Value

Beyond his regular-season resume, Gausman has proven he can deliver in October.

During Toronto’s postseason run last year, he posted a 2.93 ERA while striking out 26 batters in six playoff appearances, helping the Blue Jays reach the World Series. That experience could prove valuable for a Padres team hoping to make a deep postseason run.

Even if Musgrove and Pivetta return as expected, inserting Gausman into the rotation would give San Diego one of its deepest pitching staffs of the season. A group featuring Michael King, Gausman, Musgrove, and Pivetta would provide manager Craig Stammen with multiple reliable starting options heading into the stretch run.

Affordable Option at the Deadline

Because Gausman is on an expiring contract, the acquisition cost is expected to be lower than that of pitchers with multiple years of team control. That could make him an attractive target for president of baseball operations A.J. Preller, who has consistently looked for impactful additions without sacrificing too much long-term value.

As the trade deadline nears, Gausman stands out as a realistic and potentially high-upside option for a Padres club looking to reinforce its rotation for the remainder of the season.