The position group for the Padres that will, without a doubt, be taking the biggest hit ahead of 2026 is starting pitching, as three spots in the rotation are set to open up amid what has transpired over the past month.
To start, Dylan Cease is already on the open market, as 2025 was his last season under contract. It is almost certain that A.J. Preller doesn’t bring him back on a long-term deal, as he is going to command more than $25 million per year.
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The team lost Yu Darvish at the back-end of the rotation after he underwent Tommy John Surgery, which is going to sideline him for a full season.