San Diego Padres confront pitching crisis
The San Diego Padres find themselves at a critical crossroads as they enter the offseason, grappling with a pressing need for starting pitching. With the departure of several key players, including Yu Darvish, who will be sidelined for the entirety of the 2026 season due to UCL surgery, the team faces significant challenges in constructing a competitive rotation.
A thinning rotation
The Padres are already feeling the impact of roster changes. Alongside Darvish, both Michael King and Dylan Cease will hit free agency, while Nestor Cortes is also set to leave at season’s end. This exodus leaves the Padres with a glaring void in their starting lineup, as they need to fill four rotation spots. The task is daunting, particularly for a franchise that is projected to carry the seventh highest payroll in Major League Baseball next season.
Strategic offseason moves
In light of these challenges, ESPN’s Jeff Passan has identified what he believes to be the “perfect” offseason move for the Padres. To navigate the financial constraints of acquiring top-tier talent, Passan suggests looking towards right-hander Cody Ponce. Ponce has recently made waves by winning the KBO’s equivalent of the Cy Young Award, showcasing his potential as a strong addition to the Padres’ pitching staff.
Looking ahead
As the Padres strategize for the upcoming season, the focus will undoubtedly be on rebuilding their rotation. With the right approach, including targeting promising talents like Ponce, they could emerge from this offseason with a revitalized pitching lineup. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on the front office to make moves that will not only address their immediate needs but also set the foundation for future success.
