The San Diego Padres' starting rotation for 2026 is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing storylines of the season. With a mix of potential and uncertainty, Padres fans are left wondering how the pieces will fall into place.
The main question marks revolve around the health of Joe Musgrove and Michael King. Nick Pivetta, coming off an impressive 2025, is entering his mid-30s, raising concerns about his durability given the workload he's shouldered over recent years.
These three pitchers are expected to anchor the rotation, but beyond them, the situation is less clear-cut. This uncertainty might make fans a bit uneasy, especially with several pitchers vying for a starting role. The challenge for San Diego is that many of these candidates are on the fringe, hovering around the level needed to truly compete for a spot.
One potential solution could be implementing a six-man rotation. While this approach might not yield All-Star numbers, it would allow more pitchers to contribute and provide a cushion for those recovering from injuries.
After the Pivetta-King-Musgrove trio, Randy Vásquez is likely to claim the fourth spot. While he might not generate much buzz, his knack for inducing soft contact makes him a valuable asset. So, for now, it seems the fourth spot is his to lose.
In a traditional five-man setup, that would leave just one spot open, but with the talent in contention, this doesn't seem sufficient. Left-handers Kyle Hart and JP Sears have an edge in a righty-heavy staff, with Sears expected to secure the fifth spot-though his spring training performance will be crucial.
Triston McKenzie is another intriguing option. With an expanded pitch repertoire and a willingness to learn, McKenzie is a promising talent for pitching coach Ruben Niebla to develop. His role, whether as a starter or reliever, will depend on his spring showing.
Adding to the mix are former NL West rivals Walker Buehler and Germán Márquez. Both 31, they've struggled to meet their previous standards but are eager for a career revival. The competition between them is sure to be intense and captivating.
A six-man rotation could provide opportunities for all these pitchers, potentially creating a dynamic and competitive environment. It allows for flexibility-if a pitcher underperforms, another can step in. This setup could also offer Musgrove and King much-needed rest, reducing the risk of injury.
In essence, this approach might just be the win-win scenario the Padres need, provided these fringe pitchers step up and deliver when called upon.