MLB writer links Padres to a former Dodgers ace in 2026 rotation projection

The Padres are entering 2026 with a massive need that is still on their plate, and that is starting pitching. While they managed to retain Michael King on a three-year, $75 million contract, the team is still desperately in need of more help at the back end of the rotation.

As it stands, San Diego will have Nick Pivetta leading the charge as the team’s ace, and will be followed by Michael King and Joe Musgrove. There are still two more vacancies that can be filled, and there is still a massive starting pitcher market, with more top-of-the-line starters, as well as cheaper alternatives.

One MLB writer predicts that A.J. Preller to take the latter and go for the cheaper option. He predicts one starter in particular to end up in San Diego. One who looks to fix his career.

Bleacher Report predicts the Padres to sign RHP Walker Buehler

Walker Buehler has not fared well since returning from Tommy John surgery in 2024; in fact, he has been on four different teams. He threw 75.1 innings in 2024 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning and recording the final out of the World Series, before signing with the Boston Red Sox on a one-year, $21.05 million deal.

While he earned a lucrative contract, Boston did not get their money’s worth out of him; Buehler posted a 5.43 ERA, leading to the Red Sox designating him for assignment. For what it’s worth, Buehler pitched 13.1 innings with the Phillies and kept his ERA below one (0.66).

Perhaps the Padres could be a good team for Buehler to go to to get his career back on the right trajectory. It could benefit both teams, as the San Diego needs more starting pitching, and Buehler needs a short prove-it deal.

The only downside about Buehler is that he is a former Dodger, and we don’t know if that would sit well with Padres fans. But, worth the risk.

It will certainly be interesting to see how deep Preller digs in his search for starting pitching.