MLB rumors: Padres gearing up for big move that doesn’t involve any trade

The latest MLB rumors for the San Diego Padres are extremely positive and somehow don’t even involve a trade.

MLB rumors that don’t involve an actual trade? The San Diego Padres are making it happen.

According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, the Padres are looking to make a big move that has nothing to do with the approaching MLB trade deadline.

This is great news for Padres fans. Joe Musgrove has a special place in the team’s history. After all, he did toss the first no-hitter in franchise history. An extension could only give him more opportunities for big moments. Fans are hoping the next is in the postseason.

MLB rumors: Joe Musgrove extension is on the way after the trade deadline

Update: Per MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Padres and Musgrove are on the verge of agreeing to a five-year, $100 million contract.

Musgrove was set to hit free agency this offseason at a very opportune time for the 29-year-old righty. He has grown from a young and promising starting pitcher to someone who can be considered a true ace in Major League Baseball. Since joining the Padres last season, he is now 19-12 with a 2.97 ERA and only appears to be getting better.

The Padres are in both win-now and win-later mode. These MLB rumors noting an extension for Musgrove only make it clearer that the plan isn’t all about going for broke this year. The Padres want some sustained success while the competition within the division seems to be only between them and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

First thing is first, though. The Padres need to concentrate on getting better for this year. The soon-to-be free agent Musgrove can have his extension put on the back burner but it could still coincide with some major moves ahead of the trade deadline next Tuesday. Lin’s reported optimism about an extension on the way should only have fans feeling better about the odds of this team prioritizing its major league roster.

Does it mean a major trade is on the way? Not necessarily. The Padres have been linked to every major bat available and understandably so. With Musgrove helping to lead one of the better rotations in baseball, adding offense is the priority.

Along with Musgrove, Sean Manaea and Mike Clevinger are also free agents after this season. Locking up Musgrove now will save them from having to cut deals with all three later on.

Late July is rarely the time to read about MLB rumors not involving trades. San Diego is making an exception for one of their stars.