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Can Nick Martinez Solve Padres' 2027 Starting Pitching Woes?
6 Nov
Summary
- Padres' 2026 rotation faced significant injuries and underperformance.
- Nick Martinez, formerly with the Padres, is linked to a potential return.
- Martinez's projected contract is over $21 million annually for two years.
The San Diego Padres faced a tumultuous 2026 season with their starting rotation, marked by significant injuries and underperformance from key arms like Nick Pivetta, Walker Buehler, and Joe Musgrove. Despite efforts to address pitching issues with signings like Lucas Giolito and Griffin Canning, the rotation ultimately logged the fourth-fewest innings in MLB, heavily taxing the bullpen.
With the futures of free agents Michael King and Nick Pivetta uncertain, the Padres are reportedly considering a reunion with former pitcher Nick Martinez. The 36-year-old right-hander is coming off a strong season with the Tampa Bay Rays, pitching a career-high 180 innings with a 3.10 ERA. Martinez previously pitched for the Padres from 2022 to 2023, posting a 3.45 ERA in 216.2 innings.
Acquiring Martinez could come at a substantial cost, with projections indicating an annual salary exceeding $21 million over a two-year deal. Despite the financial implications, a significant pitching upgrade in 2027 is deemed crucial for the Padres' postseason aspirations and to alleviate the burden on their relief corps.
