In a blockbuster seven-player deal that sent Juan Soto to the New York Yankees, Randy Vásquez found himself transitioning from the Yankees’ No. 13 prospect to a key piece in the San Diego Padres’ rotation. At just 25, Vásquez has already shown flashes of brilliance, but the question remains: Is he ready to solidify his role as a reliable starter, or was last season a mere glimpse of potential?
Early Challenges and Growth
Vásquez's journey began as a starter in the Yankees’ minor league system, but he initially found himself in a relief role in the majors, where he impressed with a 2.87 ERA over 37 ⅔ innings in 2023. However, the transition to a full-time starting role with the Padres in 2024 was rocky. He posted a career-high WHIP of 1.51 and struggled with a .304 opponent batting average, suggesting he might be more of a depth option moving forward.
Yet, when the Padres needed someone to step up due to Joe Musgrove’s Tommy John surgery in late 2024, Vásquez seized the opportunity and exceeded expectations.
A Standout Season
The 2025 season was a breakthrough for Vásquez. He delivered a 3.84 ERA over 26 starts, while significantly lowering his WHIP to 1.32 and opponent batting average to .247. His durability was a much-needed asset for a Padres team plagued by injuries and inconsistency, as he logged a career-high 133 ⅔ innings.
Despite these achievements, former manager Mike Shildt often pulled Vásquez early in games, indicating a lack of trust in high-pressure situations. With Craig Stammen now at the helm, there’s hope that Vásquez will have more freedom to navigate challenging spots.
The Underlying Concerns
While Vásquez’s numbers were impressive, his expected stats tell a different story. His 5.37 xERA compared to his 3.84 ERA suggests that luck played a role in his success. However, his career-high ground ball percentage of 40.1% indicates that he effectively induced weak contact, turning potential hits into easy outs.
Spring Training and Future Prospects
Stammen has hinted that Vásquez holds a slight advantage in the competition for the back end of the rotation, contingent on his performance in Cactus League play. In a recent start against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Vásquez showcased his potential, allowing just one single and a walk over two innings, with 23 of his 31 pitches finding the strike zone.
This performance suggests that Vásquez is building on his 2025 success and could evolve into a dependable starter for the Padres. If he continues to refine his skills this spring, he might just become the consistent force San Diego can rely on every time he takes the mound.