ESPN analyst predicts Padres are plotting a major rotation upgrade

We are all desperately waiting for that big money splash from A.J. Preller and the front office on starting pitching. It’s just a matter of time before something gives, as the market is still incredibly vast with talent.

Not only are the Padres expected to make a move soon, but ESPN insider Jeff Passan also reports that the team will be “involved as ever.”

Some of the top options available include Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez, Tatsuya Imai, and Zac Gallen. San Diego has remained flexible in what available payroll the have to distribute across starting pitching, first base, and maybe even second base (depending on whether or not they choose to trade Jake Cronenworth). Here are some of the some of the arms still available that the Padres could be gearing up for.

ESPN analyst predicts the Padres aren’t done upgrading the rotation

Framber Valdez (projected contract: 4Y/$105 million)

Depending on what the Padres choose to do with their infield, this signing could prove to be incredibly valuable. Valdez maintained one of the league’s highest ground ball rates (59.4%), which could play incredibly well with the San Diego infield, who plays defense exceptionally well.

In 2025, Valdez pitched 192 innings while logging a 3.66 ERA. He kept hitters guessing with a sinker, curveball, and changeup that he used 96% of the time. On top of that, Valdez put up these excellent numbers while playing in a ballpark with a very shallow left field wall (Crawford Boxes), which foreshadows what he could look like in a ballpark with deeper fences.

The only downside about Valdez is his recent track record involving confrontations with teammates. There was an instance this year where he crossed up his catcher, César Salazar, over a disagreement on what pitch to throw.

Other than that, this would be an A+ signing by the Padres if they can agree on a team-friendly contract.

Chris Bassitt (projected contract: 2Y/$30 million)

Chris Bassitt would be a solid short-term option for San Diego, as he is 36 years old but still coming off a solid campaign for his age. Bassit started 31 times in 2025, which shows you his durability; he also posted a 3.96 ERA. 

While many starters posted better numbers, they did so with very niche pitch arsenals. Meanwhile, Bassitt used eight different pitches in 2025 according to statcast, which allowed hin to be as productive as he was at his age.

This wouldn’t be a terrible signing for the Padres, as the back-end of the rotation needs as much help as they can get.

Nick Martinez (projected contract: 1Y/$10 million)

Real Padres fans know who Nick Martinez is, as he played for the team for two seasons (2022–2023). This could be a dark horse option at the end of the rotation if the market begins to thin.

While Martinez had a down season in 2025 with the Cincinnati Reds, he provides manager Craig Stammen with the ability to use him as a starter or a reliever.

What makes this even more beneficial for San Diego is the fact that Martinez will likely need to prove his value on a cheap, one-year deal, which plays perfectly into the Padres' financial structure ahead of 2026.