The San Diego Padres need starting pitching because of the holes in their rotation.

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What they’ve done so far: The Padres haven't done much yet, just a couple of minor bullpen moves. With A.J. Preller at the helm, that should make you think that something's coming. Especially when you consider that the biggest thing to happen to the Padres so far is that they lost Dylan Cease to the Blue Jays in free agency.

Why they’re in the spotlight: This is a playoff team that has to contend with the back-to-back World Series champion Dodgers in its division — and also has some pressure to do better after a disappointing Wild Card Series loss to the Cubs in 2025. But to make it back to the postseason for a third straight year in 2026, San Diego probably has to bring in some new players. It isn't just losing Cease — other key players like Luis Arraez, Michael King and Robert Suarez are free agents. Luckily, Preller and the Padres love making big moves … and lots of them.

One move they could make next week: The Padres' big needs entering the Winter Meetings are starting pitching (to help replace Cease and potentially King) and a first base/DH-type bat (the Arraez role). Here's one move that would address the pitching side: signing Tatsuya Imai. Imai's market is heating up, and some executives expect the NPB star to sign by the end of the Winter Meetings. Preller watched Imai pitch in Japan, and earlier this offseason said the Padres would be "fully prepared" for when the right-hander was posted. And Imai wants to take down the Dodgers. Where better to do that than with their division rivals?

https://www.mlb.com/news/most-intriguing-teams-heading-into-2025-winter-meetings

5 comments

  1. I understand why they are listed here…but I have a sneaking suspicion that this off season will be quieter than previous ones for us. I hope I’m wrong.

  2. i do think we’ll get someone from these meetings. again i have a feeling it won’t be anyone huge but if it is i’d think either a hail mary Murakami or an underrated guy like kono takahashi/Okamoto

    edit: again these are unlikely, likely to happen is us getting like a zack litell type of pitcher who can eat innings. Cubs are rumored to be finalizing a deal with Gallen and whatever he gets will really determine the price of even mediocre pitchers

  4. I think we are going to back fill bullpen (which Preller is always good at), and then use Miller and Morejon as starters. And if we sign Imai our rotation is basically set save for depth.

    Big 1B power bat and a potent righty off the bench would complete the offseason. We are going to prosper or suffer based on Miller and Morejon’s transition.

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