Padres Expected to Stay Aggressive in Starting Pitching Market
With the offseason heating up and the starting pitching market still full of intriguing talent, the San Diego Padres are widely expected to make a move - and soon. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Padres are “involved as ever,” and that tracks with what we’ve come to expect from A.J.
Preller’s front office. This is a team that doesn’t sit on its hands when there’s work to be done, and right now, the rotation is a clear area of focus.
The Padres have some financial flexibility to work with, and while they’re juggling needs at first base and potentially second (depending on Jake Cronenworth’s future), starting pitching remains the top priority. With several quality arms still on the board, San Diego has options - and some of them could be serious difference-makers.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the names still in play.
Framber Valdez (Projected: 4 years, $105 million)
If San Diego is looking for a high-upside, ground-ball machine to anchor the rotation, Framber Valdez fits the bill. The lefty threw 192 innings in 2025 and posted a 3.66 ERA - solid numbers, especially when you factor in that he pitched half his games at Houston’s Minute Maid Park, where the Crawford Boxes in left field can turn routine fly balls into home runs.
Valdez leans heavily on a three-pitch mix - sinker, curveball, and changeup - and he used those offerings 96% of the time last season. The result?
A 59.4% ground ball rate, one of the highest in the league. That’s the kind of profile that would pair beautifully with a Padres infield that plays strong, fundamentally sound defense.
There is one red flag: a reported in-game dispute with catcher César Salazar over pitch selection. It’s something to monitor, but unless it becomes a pattern, it shouldn’t outweigh what Valdez brings to the mound every fifth day. If the Padres can land him on a deal that fits their payroll puzzle, this would be a major addition - both in terms of innings and impact.
Chris Bassitt (Projected: 2 years, $30 million)
Looking for reliability and versatility at a reasonable price? Chris Bassitt checks a lot of boxes.
At 36, he’s not a long-term answer, but he’s still getting the job done. In 2025, Bassitt made 31 starts and posted a 3.96 ERA.
That kind of durability matters, especially for a Padres rotation that could use some back-end stability.
What sets Bassitt apart is his deep pitch mix - eight different offerings, according to Statcast. That kind of variety allows him to keep hitters off balance even without elite velocity. He’s a thinking man’s pitcher, someone who knows how to navigate a lineup and give his team a chance to win.
For a team like San Diego that needs innings and experience, Bassitt would be a smart, low-risk signing. He may not be flashy, but he’s effective - and that’s exactly what the Padres need at the back of the rotation.
Nick Martinez (Projected: 1 year, $10 million)
Padres fans are already familiar with Nick Martinez, who spent two seasons in San Diego from 2022 to 2023. While his 2025 season with the Reds wasn’t his best, Martinez still offers something valuable: flexibility. He can start, he can relieve, and he’s proven he can handle both roles when called upon.
That kind of versatility is gold for a team navigating a tight budget and an evolving roster. Martinez is also likely to be available on a one-year, prove-it deal - a structure that fits nicely into the Padres’ financial strategy heading into 2026.
If the market thins out or if the Padres miss on some of the bigger names, don’t be surprised if Martinez becomes a fallback option. He knows the organization, the coaching staff knows what they’re getting, and he could provide quality depth without breaking the bank.
Final Word
The Padres aren’t done. There’s too much talent still available, and too much need in the rotation to stand pat. Whether it’s a high-upside arm like Framber Valdez, a steady veteran like Chris Bassitt, or a familiar face like Nick Martinez, expect San Diego to stay aggressive.
With the NL West shaping up to be a dogfight once again, every move matters. And if the Padres want to stay in the thick of it, bolstering the rotation isn’t just a luxury - it’s a necessity.