Get ready for an exciting baseball season with the Padres! While we can't take everything a manager says at face value, there's an important message hidden within their words. Craig Stammen recently hinted at something intriguing: the Padres have an impressive starting rotation, and it's not just one, but potentially four strong pitchers!
Let's start with the obvious choice for the opening-day starter: Nick Pivetta. After an outstanding 2025 season, where he ranked among the top 15 starting pitchers in the majors, Pivetta is a shoo-in for the first opening-day assignment of his career. His career-best 2.87 ERA and 1812/3 innings pitched make him a force to be reckoned with.
But here's where it gets controversial... Who will follow Pivetta? The Padres have a few options, and it's a competitive race. Michael King, the 2025 opening-day starter, is back and ready to prove himself again. Joe Musgrove, a seasoned veteran, returns after a year of rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. Stammen believes the team is excited about this starting staff, but the real question is: who will round out the rotation?
The Padres are on the hunt for a veteran starter to join the competition. With limited funds, the search continues, and time is ticking before the season starts. Typically, a team uses 8-15 pitchers for the 162 regular-season starts, and the Padres have a deep pool of talent to choose from.
Let's take a closer look at the current candidates:
Probably No.4: Randy Vásquez, the 27-year-old right-hander, has been a consistent performer since joining the Padres. With a solid 3.84 ERA in 2025, he's a reliable option. Vásquez cannot be optioned in 2026, so he's a strong contender for the fourth spot.
Four for One? Marco Gonzales, a 33-year-old left-hander, brings experience with 162 starts and almost 1,000 innings in the big leagues. However, he's coming off an injury and has a major league assignment clause, which could impact his chances.
Injury Comeback: Triston McKenzie, a 28-year-old right-hander, has faced setbacks due to injuries and ineffectiveness. With 80 starts out of 88 MLB appearances, he's determined to make a comeback.
Resetting Career: JP Sears, a 29-year-old lefty, aims to restart his Padres career after a rough 2025 season. With a 4.59 ERA over 102 career starts, he's looking to prove himself again.
Unique Arsenal: Matt Waldron, a 29-year-old knuckleballer, has an intriguing skill set. While he's out of options, some believe he could win the fifth spot with his unique pitches and impressive performance in 2024.
Different Role: Kyle Hart, a 33-year-old lefty, showed promise in relief after returning from Korea. While he'll be stretched out in spring, he's likely to be most useful in a bullpen role.
Depth Options: Jagger Haynes, a 23-year-old left-hander with a promising 95 mph fastball, needs to work on his control. Miguel Mendez, a 23-year-old righty, is expected to join the Padres soon, but likely not at the start of the season. Jackson Wolf, a 26-year-old left-hander, has made one big-league start and could be a pinch starter.
As the Padres prepare for the season, the starting rotation is shaping up to be a fascinating battle. Who will secure the final spots? Only time will tell, and the competition is heating up! What do you think? Who will make the cut? Share your predictions in the comments!
