Padres' rotation needs reinforcements. Discover three seasoned pitchers who can solidify their lineup before spring training begins.
There’s no secret that the San Diego Padres are lacking in the starting pitching department, and with spring training beginning in just a couple of weeks, they need to act fast to instill confidence in fans heading into the 2026 campaign.
San Diego won 90 games for the second-straight season in 2025, but its season ended after a Wild Card series loss to the Chicago Cubs. Since then, the Padres have lost two starting arms this offseason – Dylan Cease to the Toronto Blue Jays and Yu Darvish to injury.
Right-hander Joe Musgrove is returning for the first time since 2024 after suffering a torn UCL, but it remains to be seen how quickly he returns to form after not stepping on an MLB mound in a year and a half. To calm the fans' concerns surrounding the Friars’ rotation, the Padres need to add another veteran arm before the season gets underway.
There are plenty to choose from – it’s on the Padres’ front office to make it happen. Here are three veteran free agent options that will provide the Padres a much-needed breath:
Jose Quintana, LHP
Quintana had his fourth consecutive season of sub-4.00 ERA baseball in 2025 with the Milwaukee Brewers. Though he’s 37 years old, Quintana can still provide some much-needed innings and experience that the Padres are looking for. As a left-hander, Quintana would also give San Diego a reliable southpaw option – something they’re currently lacking.
Justin Verlander, RHP
Verlander certainly isn’t the pitcher he was when he was winning Cy Young Awards and MVPs, but he can still be of value to the Padres' rotation. The 42-year-old brought his ERA down to 3.85 in 2025 after seeing it reach 5.48 in 2024. His improved FIP and strikeout percentage should be enough to entice a desperate Padres team. Though his durability and age are a concern, the Padres need to be willing to take the risk on a World Series champion who is still producing at a high level.
Tyler Anderson, LHP
As mentioned previously with Quintana, the Padres could use another proven left-handed starting option. Anderson would be just that, posting a 4.56 ERA last season with the Los Angeles Angels. He’s just one year removed from an All-Star season in 2024, and the Padres should be willing to take the odds on an aging Anderson. He won’t be electric and relies on the defense, but at the very least, he’d be another depth option for San Diego.