Dodgers may have something to worry about as Padres make top free-agency priority clear

The San Diego Padres are making starting pitching their top priority this offseason, with president of baseball operations A.J. Preller indicating the club may have more room to spend than in recent years. That could allow them to pursue established starters and put pressure on the Los Angeles Dodgers as the rivals consider their next moves.

Preller said budget limits had constrained the Padres since owner Peter Seidler’s death, though the club was able to add Michael King last year with Yu Darvish’s help. San Diego is reportedly considering all available starting pitchers, including Tarik Skubal, and has also shown interest in Dodgers relievers Evan Phillips and Alex Vesia. Preller said the club will still seek players who can outperform their contracts, while hoping for more spending options.