The San Diego Padres are positioned to strengthen their rotation this offseason, potentially targeting another standout pitcher to bolster their already impressive staff. With key arms like Blake Snell potentially departing in free agency, the Padres could use the opportunity to make a splash in the market to maintain their status as one of the National League’s most competitive teams.
While the Padres already boast a rotation that includes Joe Musgrove, Yu Darvish, and Michael Wacha, adding a high-impact arm could provide the depth and consistency needed to contend in 2025. Names like Aaron Nola, Sonny Gray, or even a reunion with Blake Snell could be on the table, depending on the Padres’ willingness to spend aggressively and their confidence in internal options like Nick Martinez or Seth Lugo.
If the Padres do add a frontline starter, it could solidify their rotation as one of the most formidable in baseball, especially if paired with their potent lineup anchored by Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Manny Machado. However, much will depend on how the team navigates payroll concerns and whether they choose to prioritize pitching over other areas of need, such as the bullpen or offensive depth.
Padres could lure FA Jack Flaherty away from Dodgers
The San Diego Padres may have the chance to strengthen their rotation while simultaneously weakening their division rival, the Los Angeles Dodgers, by pursuing free agent Jack Flaherty. According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, Flaherty is considering his options, and while he has expressed a desire to remain with the Dodgers, the Padres have emerged as one of four potential destinations if he decides to move on.
Flaherty, acquired by the Dodgers during the 2024 season, showed flashes of his former dominance but struggled with consistency. His performance could make him a cost-effective option for a Padres team looking to add depth to its rotation without breaking the bank. For the Padres, landing Flaherty would provide an experienced arm with upside and the added satisfaction of taking him from their NL West rivals.
As noted by Eva Geitheim of San Diego Padres on SI, Flaherty’s move to San Diego would add intrigue to an already heated rivalry. If the Padres successfully sign him, they’d gain a proven starter while forcing the Dodgers to explore other avenues to reinforce their pitching staff. However, the Padres must weigh Flaherty’s potential against their other offseason priorities, including replacing Blake Snell, addressing bullpen needs, and managing payroll flexibility.
Flaherty could cement the Padres rotation in 2025
Jack Flaherty is coming off a successful 2024 campaign that culminated in a World Series victory with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 29-year-old right-hander demonstrated his ability to perform on the big stage after being traded to the Dodgers from the Detroit Tigers midway through the season.
Before the trade, Flaherty impressed with a 2.95 ERA and a 7-5 record in Detroit. Upon joining Los Angeles, he continued to deliver, posting a 6-2 record over 10 starts with a 3.58 ERA. Across the full season, Flaherty recorded 194 strikeouts, showcasing his capability as a strikeout pitcher while managing to stay healthy.
As a free agent, Flaherty’s mix of durability, experience, and upside makes him an attractive target for teams like the San Diego Padres, who are rumored to be one of his potential landing spots. Adding Flaherty would bolster the Padres’ rotation and allow them to capitalize on his postseason experience while simultaneously weakening the Dodgers’ pitching depth. Whether or not Flaherty stays in Los Angeles or moves on will likely depend on contract negotiations and his fit within the respective teams’ future plans.
Jack Flaherty proved to be a crucial asset for the Dodgers during their 2024 World Series-winning campaign, especially as they navigated injuries to key pitchers like Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, and Gavin Stone. Despite some inconsistencies in the postseason, Flaherty contributed meaningfully to the Dodgers’ championship run, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Heading into free agency, the San Diego Padres are reportedly considering Flaherty as a potential addition to their rotation. His last contract, a one-year, $14 million deal with the Tigers, set a solid baseline, but his success with the Dodgers and championship pedigree will likely increase his market value.
For the Padres, adding Flaherty could provide a major boost to an already strong rotation, potentially making it one of the most formidable in the Major Leagues. Signing him would also come with the added benefit of taking a key contributor away from their NL West rival Dodgers. Whether the Padres can outbid Los Angeles and other interested teams remains to be seen, but Flaherty’s combination of experience, talent, and postseason success makes him a highly sought-after target in free agency.
