Amidst all the changes set to hit the starting rotation, it is noteworthy to mention the fact that the Padres are suitors for the top free agent starting pitcher on the market, Framber Valdez. The southpaw has two All-Star appearances, Cy Young Award votes, and a World Series Championship to his name.
2025 was a down year for Valdez by his standards, as he posted a 3.66 ERA over the course of 192 innings pitched. He commands one of the league’s most effective sinkers, which is a key reason for him ranking in the top 3% in ground-ball rate, inducing grounders nearly 60% of the time.