Top-Flight Starting Pitcher
One of the glaring weaknesses for the San Diego Padres was a lack of a top-flight starting pitcher atop of their rotation last season. Unfortunately, this request isn’t easy to fulfill as the best option for the Padres to acquire an ace is through the free-agent market. However, it won’t be an easy task as a number of teams will be seeking the same need. The Friars may have one advantage over the competition as they can add salary to their payroll without going over-budget.
Pitchers on of their wish list will include Gerrit Cole, Madison Bumgarner, and Zack Wheeler could be another option if the price tag for the other two becomes too expensive. The hope for this acquisition is it takes some pressure off Chris Paddack to become an immediate No. 1 starter and allows him to grow into the role at his own pace.
Spring training is where this free-agent signing will pay off as a relationship will develop among the starting staff. The younger pitchers will gain a sounding board to vent their frustrations as the stature of a pitcher like Cole can reassure them that their struggles aren’t the end of the world. In fact, the best pitchers in the game were in their shoes at some point in their own careers. It’s all about just trusting your pitches and consistently getting outs.
Signing a top-flight starting pitcher is going to be a tricky proposition as a bidding war is expected to break out for the above targets this offseason.