Padres bolster rotation, reach deal for Mize at Deadline's buzzer

PHOENIX -- One impact starting pitcher wasn’t enough. So the Padres landed another just as the Trade Deadline buzzer was sounding.

San Diego added right-hander Casey Mize in a deal with the Tigers, hours after dealing for Robbie Ray in a separate trade with the Giants.

The Padres also acquired left-handed-hitting infielder Gage Workman in the deal with Detroit, sending left-handed pitching prospects Kash Mayfield and Jackson Wolf to the Tigers in return. Mayfield was the team’s No. 2-ranked prospect.

TRADE DETAILS
Padres receive: RHP Casey Mize, INF Gage Workman
Tigers receive: LHP Kash Mayfield (SD No. 2 prospect; now DET No. 6), LHP Jackson Wolf

The Mize trade -- plus the addition of Ray -- goes a long way toward solidifying the Padres’ rotation. It was their biggest question mark entering the week. Now, there’s a chance it could become a strength down the stretch.

Mize, a free agent after the season, has posted a 2.70 ERA in 16 starts for the Tigers this year. The No. 1 overall pick in 2018, Mize dealt with injury concerns early in his career -- including Tommy John surgery, which cost him the 2023 season. But he’s been a reliable presence in Detroit's rotation for the past couple seasons.

With Mize on board, the Padres’ post-Deadline rotation should look something like this:

1. Michael King
2. Robbie Ray
3. Casey Mize
4. Walker Buehler
5. Randy Vásquez/bullpen game

But that rotation could get some major reinforcements down the stretch as well. Both Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta, who are working their way back from elbow injuries, are scheduled to begin a rehab stint on Tuesday.

The Padres have surged back into contention, winning eight of their last nine games to move within a game of the final Wild Card spot in the National League. But in order to become serious contenders, they always needed to reinforce their rotation.

That’s precisely what they’ve done. General manager A.J. Preller also explored the possibility of adding another bat, according to sources. But the level of need was far greater in the rotation, so that’s where the resources went.

The cost to land those two starters was relatively steep -- three of the Padres’ top nine prospects in total. Mayfield was the Padres’ top pick in the 2024 Draft. But Preller has never been shy about moving prospects.

The two moves signify a major gamble on the 2026 season. Mize and Ray are set to become free agents this winter, and the Padres’ rotation beyond this year features serious question marks, with King and Pivetta also eligible to become free agents.

For now, however, the Padres have pushed their chips in on 2026. They’re in win-now mode, and that should surprise no one.