Considering the Padres are set to potentially lose Dylan Cease and Michael King to free agency, as well as the looming retirement of Yu Darvish, it is fair to wonder what the Padres' starting rotation might look like in 2026.
Will King, Cease, and Darvish be back? What about Joe Musgrove, who missed all of 2025 with injury? Let's predict the Padres' 2026 opening day starting rotation.
Opening Day: Nick Pivetta
Pivetta has earned the opportunity to be the Padres' Opening Day starter after an elite season in 2025.