LAS VEGAS — The San Diego Padres are emerging as a significant contender for superstar free-agent left-hander Tarik Skubal, with plans to meet with him in the near future, much like the New York Mets.
Although the Mets are often viewed as the favorites, buoyed by owner Steve Cohen’s deep pockets, the Padres represent a compelling wildcard in the bidding process.
Padres General Manager A.J. Preller noted that new owners José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones are “very committed” to achieving winning results.
Preller himself is arguably the most dedicated to this goal, having previously persuaded then-owner Peter Seidler to commit $1.2 billion in contracts, including two $300 million deals for Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, along with Xander Bogaerts.
