Dylan Cease of San Diego Padres (Image via Getty) The San Diego Padres are looking for pitching help ahead of the 2026 MLB season, but they are doing so with financial limits in mind. After failing to sign Framber Valdez, who agreed to a three-year, $115 million deal with the Detroit Tigers, the Padres have shifted attention to shorter and less expensive options.Justin Verlander has emerged as a possible target. The 43-year-old right-hander, a three-time Cy Young winner, is still a free agent as spring training approaches. League observers believe San Diego could offer a one-year contract with incentives, giving the team experience without a long-term obligation.
Signing scenario rather than a trade
There has been some discussion describing this as a “trade,” but Justin Verlander is not under contract with any team. The situation simply reflects a change in spending strategy after the San Diego Padres chose not to match the financial level required for Valdez.A realistic contract could fall between $7 million and $10 million, with bonuses tied to innings pitched and postseason appearances. Verlander would get the opportunity to join a team expected to compete in the NL West while continuing his pursuit of 300 career wins. He is roughly 30–35 victories away from that mark.San Diego would likely slot him as the No. 5 starter and manage his workload with a projected cap of about 140–150 innings. That usage would mirror his 2025 season with the Giants, when he made 29 starts, recorded a 3.85 ERA, and threw 152 innings.
Rotation need explains the interest
San Francisco Giants Justin Verlander (Image via Getty)
The San Diego Padres’ projected rotation includes Nick Pivetta, Michael King, and Joe Musgrove, with Randy Vasquez and JP Sears currently filling the remaining spots. Dylan Cease’s exit created a gap in both innings and strikeout production.Valdez appeared to be the stronger solution because of his durability, 3.24 career ERA, and history of 200-inning seasons. Once Detroit finalized its offer, San Diego was effectively priced out. Justin Verlander represents a lower-cost alternative who still brings postseason experience and a long track record.
Stat Snapshot: Verlander vs. Valdez (2025 Season)
PlayerERAIPStartsK/9WHIPNotesJustin Verlander 3.85 152 29 7.8 1.23 Age 42, bounce-back after 2024 strugglesFramber Valdez 3.10 192 33 7.1 1.15 Workhorse, 6+ IP per startJustin Verlander’s 2025 season improved after a slow start. He went 0–8 with a 4.99 ERA in the first half but posted a 2.60 ERA over 13 starts after the break. He also produced two seven-inning outings in September, indicating he can still work deep into games.
What the move would offer both sides
For the Padres, the main benefit would be stability at the back of the rotation without a major payroll commitment. A one-year deal limits long-term risk if performance drops or injuries occur and allows the team to allocate money elsewhere.Verlander would gain another opportunity to pitch for a competitive club while extending his career under a controlled workload. His former team, the Giants, would not be directly affected, though any division rival addition carries competitive implications.The move may not satisfy those expecting a larger signing, but the cost compared to potential production makes it a practical option.
Overall impact if this trade happens
San Diego Padres would add a veteran capable of covering innings and supporting younger pitchers such as Vasquez and Miller. Verlander would remain in a competitive environment while continuing his chase for 300 wins.Given the limited financial risk, the Padres would likely benefit from the arrangement even if Verlander performs closer to league average than peak form.
Stat Table: Verlander’s Career Highlights (Through 2025)
StatisticValueWins 266ERA 3.32Strikeouts 3,390Innings 3,136Cy Young Awards 3World Series Titles 2Also read: MLB trade rumors: Atlanta Braves targeting $63 million Toronto Blue Jays star in free agency to steady rotation after missing on Framber ValdezVerlander’s career record is already established. If he signs with San Diego and stays healthy, the Padres could address a clear rotation need without committing to a long-term contract.