Padres Still Eyeing Pitching Help, but Depth May Come from Within
The San Diego Padres head into the heart of the offseason with a rotation that’s taking shape, but still far from complete. Right now, the projected starting five includes Michael King, Nick Pivetta, Joe Musgrove, Randy Vasquez, and one of a few internal options-JP Sears, Kyle Hart, or Matt Waldron. It’s a group with potential, but also plenty of question marks, especially when it comes to durability and upside.
The expectation around the league is that the Padres aren’t done adding arms. They can’t afford to be, not in a National League where pitching depth often separates contenders from pretenders.
But the market for quality starters is steep, and every dollar counts. If San Diego does land another arm in free agency, it might be the last major pitching investment they can make this winter.
That means the rest of the rotation depth will likely have to come from within the organization.
Two names to keep an eye on: Garrett Hawkins and Miguel Mendez. Both are young arms working their way through the Padres’ system, and both could be in the mix for innings in 2026.
Hawkins has shown flashes of swing-and-miss stuff, while Mendez brings a more polished approach and command profile. They’re not opening day rotation locks by any stretch, but they could become important depth pieces for manager Craig Stammen as the season unfolds.
Padres Introduce Sung-Mun Song
The Padres officially introduced infielder Sung-Mun Song on Tuesday, welcoming him to the club via video conference with the San Diego media. Song expressed excitement about joining the team and made it clear he’s ready to contribute in whatever role is asked of him. That kind of flexibility could prove valuable as the Padres look to solidify their infield depth heading into 2026.
Is Luis Arraez Still in Play?
There’s still some buzz around the idea of a potential reunion between the Padres and three-time batting champ Luis Arraez. While nothing is imminent, the door doesn’t appear to be completely closed. Arraez’s elite contact skills and ability to get on base would be a welcome addition to any lineup, and San Diego’s front office has shown a willingness to explore creative ways to bring in high-impact talent.
Tirso Ornelas Looking to Bounce Back
Outfielder Tirso Ornelas made his long-awaited MLB debut in 2025, but couldn’t quite stick on the big-league roster. Now, the focus shifts to what he can do differently in 2026 to earn another shot. The tools are there-Ornelas has always had a strong offensive profile in the minors-but consistency and adjustments at the plate will be key if he wants to carve out a role at the next level.
Around the League
- Ryan O’Hearn Heads to Pittsburgh Free agent first baseman/outfielder Ryan O’Hearn won’t be returning to San Diego.
Instead, he’s heading to the Pirates on a two-year, $29 million deal-Pittsburgh’s first multi-year free agent signing since Ivan Nova in 2016. That’s a significant move for a team that’s been relatively quiet in free agency over the years.
- Bryce Harper Commits to Team USA Add Bryce Harper to the growing list of stars suiting up for Team USA in the next World Baseball Classic. Harper’s announcement adds even more firepower to an already stacked American roster that’s shaping up to be one of the most talented in tournament history.
- Eugenio Suarez Still on the Market Third baseman Eugenio Suarez remains unsigned, but that could change soon-especially if his asking price starts to dip.
The Seattle Mariners, who had Suarez on their roster during the 2025 playoff push, are reportedly considering bringing him back. If the price is right, expect more teams to get involved.
- Cubs Add Jacob Webb to the Bullpen The Chicago Cubs added to their bullpen depth with a one-year deal for reliever Jacob Webb. It’s another low-risk move for a team looking to shore up its pitching staff without making major financial commitments.
- White Sox Sign Sean Newcomb The White Sox continued their active week by signing left-hander Sean Newcomb to a one-year, $4.5 million deal. It’s their second free-agent addition in recent days, as Chicago looks to add experience and depth to a pitching staff that struggled in 2025.
The Padres’ offseason is far from over, and while the front office continues to explore external upgrades, internal development might end up being just as important. Whether it’s young arms like Hawkins and Mendez stepping up, or veterans like Ornelas finding their footing, San Diego’s 2026 campaign could hinge as much on growth from within as it does on big-name acquisitions.