The San Diego Padres have jumped into the mix for Corey Kluber.
San Diego is engaged in trade discussions with the Cleveland Indians about the two-time Cy Young winner, sources told MLB.com's Jon Morosi.
Morosi added that one person with knowledge of the talks doesn't believe the Padres have surpassed the Los Angeles Dodgers as favorites to land the pitcher at this point.
Cleveland has been seeking major-league talent in exchange for the 32-year-old Kluber and a source told Morosi the Padres could move one or more of outfielders Manuel Margot and Hunter Renfroe, and catcher Austin Hedges in a potential swap.
San Diego's top prospects, Fernando Tatis Jr. and MacKenzie Gore, are reportedly not expected to be involved in a deal for Kluber.
The Padres' interest in Kluber isn't surprising. Their starting rotation authored the highest ERA (5.09) and opponents' batting average (.275) in the National League last season en route to a 66-96 record.
San Diego has also reportedly discussed a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays involving pitcher Marcus Stroman and was linked to New York Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard earlier this offseason.
Cleveland, meanwhile, already traded Yan Gomes, Yonder Alonso, and Edwin Encarnacion in an effort to free up payroll and has reportedly been motivated to move Kluber for nearly a month.
The Indians reportedly re-engaged the Dodgers about a potential Kluber swap after the two teams couldn't work out a deal at the winter meetings. They've also received reported interest from the Milwaukee Brewers, Cincinnati Reds, and Philadelphia Phillies.
Cleveland originally acquired Kluber from the Padres in 2010 before he went on to become one of the game's top pitchers.
Over eight seasons in the big leagues, the three-time All-Star owns a 96-55 record with a 3.09 ERA, 2.96 FIP, and 1.07 WHIP. Since 2014, no pitcher has accrued more WAR than Kluber's 31, according to Fangraphs.
