This Is What Padres Rotation Could Look Like Next Year

The San Diego Padres have too many problems to count when it comes to their pitching rotation next year, as the entire staff is in a state of flux. AJ Cassavell of MLB.com came up with a breakdown that separates the prospective hurlers into several different categories, and it’s a solid way to simplify a complex problem. 

The holdovers: Randy Vasquez RHP

It’s easy to forget about Vasquez given that he was left off the playoff roster, but he’s an important name who could easily wind up being just as significant next year. Vasquez made a big jump in the first half of this season, and he finished with an ERA of 3.87 over 60 appearances in 2024 and 2025, per Cassavell. He has Vasquez pencilled in for the No. 4 spot in 2027, which is a quality selection. 

Potential Returness: Nick Piveta RHP, Joe Musgrove RHP, Yu Darvish RHP

Lots of uncertainty here due to injuries. Pivetta is the best option of the trio, as he pitched to a 2.05 ERA down the stretch after returning on Sept 7. His medicals will make the choice, but if he’s healthy he’s more than worth the remaining two years and $32 million on his deal. 

Musgrove also came back and pitched, but he’s much more tentative, as he was unable to build back up to the point where he could consistently take the ball. He’s worth a flyer given his history with the franchise, but he can’t be pencilled in for any kind of real role. 

Darvish is a total wild card, as he was widely expected to retire after having right elbow surgery. But he hasn’t ruled out coming back, so he makes this particular list. 

The free agent returnee: Michael King RHP

King can opt out of his current deal, which calls for $58 million for two more years, and he’d get a buyout if he did. He’s expressed an interest in coming back, and the new ownership group should accommodate him, even if it takes a new deal. King was the de facto ace of a sketchy staff, so the Padres can’t afford to let him leave. 

The remaining free agents: Walker Buehler RHP, Case Mize RHP, Robbie Ray RHP, etc.

This is a questionable group, but Walker is worth bringing back, assuming the Padres want to give him the raise he’d earn on the market. This group also includes the likes of Griffin Canning and Lucas Giolito, and everyone else here is expendable if the Padres want to take a different path going forward.