Overview
- The Padres enter the winter with Dylan Cease and Michael King in free agency and expect to be without Yu Darvish in 2026 after elbow surgery.
- Jim Bowden reports San Diego is among a large group of clubs pursuing top starting pitchers as the market intensifies after the GM Meetings.
- Framber Valdez headlines the starter class, though there is no indication the Padres met with him, while NPB righty Tatsuya Imai and KBO standout Cody Ponce are cited as potential alternatives.
- Sports Illustrated writers predicted a Padres bid for Phillies lefty Ranger Suárez, but projections near $164 million suggest that price may be out of San Diego’s range.
- Catching depth is also on the agenda following Martin Maldonado’s retirement and Elias Díaz’s free agency, with trade calls underway that have included inquiries to clubs holding premium catchers and prospects.