Yu Darvish is officially out for the 2026 season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn UCL and flexor tendon in his right elbow - a tough blow for both the veteran right-hander and a San Diego Padres club trying to stay in the thick of the National League race.
At 39 years old, Darvish was entering the final stretch of his career, and now the question becomes whether this injury marks the end of the road. He’s still owed $43 million over the next couple of years, including $16 million this season, but if he decides to hang it up early, that money comes off the books - and that could open up a world of possibilities for a Padres team looking for ways to stay competitive without breaking the bank.
One of those possibilities? Framber Valdez.
Valdez is still on the market, and while the Padres haven’t been publicly linked to him as much as teams like the Orioles or Blue Jays, there’s reason to believe San Diego could make a late push. The lefty is a two-time All-Star with postseason experience and the kind of groundball-heavy arsenal that plays well in Petco Park. And with Darvish sidelined, the Padres suddenly have both a rotation spot and - potentially - the financial flexibility to get creative.
According to reports, Valdez sent teams a video addressing his recent controversy with former Astros catcher Cesar Salazar, in which he denied intentionally crossing up his battery mate on a pitch that ended up drilling Salazar in the chest. It was a strange moment, but Valdez is trying to clear the air and show he’s still a strong clubhouse presence.
If the Padres are willing to take a chance, they could structure a deal similar to the one they gave Nick Pivetta last offseason - a short-term contract with an opt-out after two years, giving both sides flexibility and upside. That kind of deal would make sense for a player like Valdez, who’s still in his prime but may be looking for a bounce-back opportunity after a rocky end in Houston.
And let’s not forget: A.J. Preller doesn’t sit still.
The Padres' GM has never been shy about making bold moves, and with the Dodgers continuing to load up, San Diego can’t afford to stand pat. They have starting pitching depth, sure, but depth isn’t the same as top-end talent.
Valdez, at his best, can be a frontline arm - and that’s exactly what the Padres might need to stay in the postseason mix.
There’s still a lot to sort out - Darvish’s future, the team’s financial situation, and Valdez’s market - but if the stars align, this could be a classic Preller move: aggressive, calculated, and aimed at keeping San Diego in the hunt.