MLB Opening Day is fast approaching, and teams are working hard to finalize their rosters for the upcoming season. One team that has been relatively quiet this offseason is the San Diego Padres. However, they recently made a move by signing reliever Wandy Peralta on February 9. It seems like the Padres are just getting started with their plans to improve their pitching staff.
According to a report by Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune on February 10, the Padres have expressed interest in free agent starters Michael Lorenzen and Noah Syndergaard. This news was further confirmed by MLB.com’s Jon Morosi, who stated that the Padres are keeping a close eye on rotation depth and specifically mentioned Lorenzen and Syndergaard as players of interest.
As spring training camps open this week, several teams, including the Padres, Pirates, Twins, Cubs, and Rays, are actively monitoring their rotation options. Both Syndergaard and Lorenzen, who are free agents, are being considered by these teams. It remains to be seen if the Padres will make a move to acquire either of these talented pitchers.
In conclusion, the San Diego Padres are quietly working on improving their pitching staff for the upcoming season. They have shown interest in free agent starters Michael Lorenzen and Noah Syndergaard. As the MLB camps open this week, the Padres, along with several other teams, are closely monitoring their rotation options. It will be interesting to see if the Padres make any further moves to strengthen their roster.
The San Diego Padres are taking a more conservative approach to their payroll this offseason after facing a hefty luxury tax bill. The team was hit with a $39.7 million bill for their record-setting $255 million payroll in 2023. Despite not making it to the playoffs, the Padres are looking to spread out their remaining budget of $20 million to fill multiple positions.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Padres are not offering more than $5 million a year to any player for the rest of the winter. Their focus has shifted from World Series aspirations to simply qualifying as a wild-card contender. Nightengale predicted a quiet winter for the team.
The Padres made one notable signing on February 9, inking Peralta to a four-year, $16.5 million contract. However, there have been few other moves made this offseason. The team’s starting rotation, which had the best ERA in MLB in 2023, has taken a hit with the loss of Snell, Lugo, and Wacha to free agency.
President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller remains optimistic about the team’s rotation options. He believes they have quality choices that will compete for jobs in spring training. Preller acknowledges the importance of starting pitching but is open to exploring the options they currently have.
Aside from Darvish and Musgrove, the Padres acquired Michael King from the New York Yankees, who will transition to a full-time starter this season. They also have young and inexperienced options like Brito, Vásquez, Avila, Waldron, Carpenter, and Groome to fill the remaining rotation slots.
While the Padres may experience inconsistency with these untested starters, they need to put together a cohesive rotation if they want to contend in 2024. Signing a proven starter would be their best option, even with a lower payroll.
Syndergaard, despite his previous success, may not be the ideal choice for the Padres. His recent seasons have been plagued by injuries and poor performance. In 2023, he struggled with a 6.50 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in just 88 2/3 innings. Although a comeback is possible, it’s uncertain if he can return to his previous form. The Padres already have young and untested starters to consider.
Lorenzen could be a more consistent addition to the rotation, but he also comes with risks. In 2023, he posted a 4.18 ERA and 1.21 WHIP, but his performance declined after being traded midseason. With the Phillies, he had a disappointing 5.51 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in 11 appearances.
Regardless of their decision, the Padres will have limited depth in their rotation in 2024. Keeping their players healthy will be crucial, and they will rely on individuals stepping up and performing well. Manager Mike Shildt is confident that they can navigate the challenges and compete effectively.
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