Padres Offseason Needs: Rotation Leads After Key Roster Moves

A wave of roster decisions has clarified San Diego’s offseason priorities: rebuild a largely vacant starting rotation, add a late-inning reliever and bring in at least two corner bats. Michael King and Nick Pivetta are free agents; three left-handed relievers are returning, while Adrian Morejon remains a possible but unsigned target.

• Only Randy Vásquez is a sure bet to return to the rotation.
• At least 2 corner bats are needed, including a first baseman.
• 3 left-handed relievers are returning to the bullpen.

The rotation’s apparent lack of depth could create flexibility and opportunity, as Padres executive A.J. Preller has noted. Some internal arms could contribute, and King, Pivetta and Walker Buehler have expressed interest in returning—but their free-agent markets will help determine whether reunions are realistic.

• Joe Musgrove’s role after Tommy John surgery and Yu Darvish’s future are uncertain.
• The bullpen has returning depth, but needs another high-leverage arm; Morejon and Jason Adam are potential external options.
• Ty France could return at first base, while left field currently projects as a Dustin Harris–Samad Taylor platoon.

San Diego is likely to pursue starting pitching aggressively, then address the bullpen and corner positions through free agency or other additions. The availability and cost of potential returning players could shape how much the Padres rely on internal options.

The roster moves have made the shopping list unmistakable: San Diego needs to rebuild its rotation and add impact help around the edges, especially at first base, in left field and late in games.