Padres shake up rotation with new additions
The San Diego Padres are gearing up for an offseason filled with critical decisions following the exits of key pitchers Michael King and Dylan Cease. As they look toward the 2026 season, the team is tasked with reshaping their starting rotation, and Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter has provided insight into who might step into the void.
Projected Rotation for 2026
Returning to the mound for the Padres will be familiar faces Nick Pivetta, Joe Musgrove, and Randy Vasquez, who are expected to occupy the first three slots in the starting lineup. As the team seeks to fill the last two spots, Reuter has pointed to New York Yankees reliever Luke Weaver and Jon Duplantier, who has recently wrapped up a productive season abroad.
Luke Weaver’s Journey
Weaver’s career has seen its ups and downs, particularly following a challenging 2023 season that saw him transition from a starting pitcher to a bullpen role with the Yankees in 2024. Despite the shift, he found success in his new position, posting an impressive career-low ERA of 2.89 over 62 appearances. In those outings, he logged 84 innings and struck out 103 batters, achieving a 140 ERA+. This resurgence highlights his potential as a reliable arm for the Padres if he can maintain that form.
Jon Duplantier’s International Success
Joining Weaver in the projected rotation is Jon Duplantier, who has demonstrated his capabilities with a solid season overseas. His performances have garnered attention and could provide the Padres with the depth they need as they navigate the offseason roster changes.
As the Padres evaluate their options, the integration of these two pitchers could prove pivotal in bolstering their rotation and keeping them competitive in the coming seasons. The combination of Weaver’s revitalized form and Duplantier’s recent success offers a promising outlook for San Diego’s pitching staff as they strive to bounce back from their recent losses.
