Padres Seek Ace Amid Pitching Shakeup Ahead of 2026 Season

As of November 15th, 2025, the San Diego Padres find themselves in a precarious position when it comes to their starting rotation. The team is set to enter the offseason with a major pitching problem, as they will be without the services of ace Yu Darvish, who recently underwent surgery on his elbow and is expected to miss the entire 2026 season.

Adding to their woes, the Padres are also set to lose the services of two other key starters, as both Dylan Cease and Michael King are currently on the open market as free agents. The team has explored the possibility of transitioning some of their relievers, such as Mason Miller, into starting roles, but this is never a guaranteed solution.

Recognizing the urgent need to acquire a frontline starter, the Padres have been actively scouring the free agent market. According to reports, the team is among a group of clubs, including the Braves, Mets, Giants, Orioles, Red Sox, Tigers, Astros, Yankees, and Angels, that are closely monitoring the top pitching options available.

One name to watch closely is Framber Valdez, who is expected to lead the group of starting pitchers on the open market. Another intriguing option is Tatsuya Imai, a Japanese hurler who has garnered significant interest after his strong performances in the NPB over the past two seasons. The Padres could also explore a more cost-effective option in Cody Ponce, who spent the 2025 season dominating in the KBO.

As the Padres navigate this critical offseason, their ability to secure a top-tier starting pitcher will be crucial in their quest to remain competitive in the National League West division and beyond.