Padres' 2025 staff rounding out nicely after latest extension for renowned coach

If one thing about the San Diego Padres is for certain, it is that their pitching staff has been incredibly strong these last few seasons. From their starting rotation that has boasted All-Stars from Yu Darvish to Joe Musgrove to Josh Hader, to having relievers this season in Robert Suarez and Adrián Morejón being one of the best in the game, one thing has remained constant in their success.

Pitching coach Ruben Niebla has been with the organization for three seasons, which includes a pair of trips to the playoffs. The Friars have thrown a no-hitter over this stretch, rising to have one of the best overall pitching staffs in baseball. Over the last three seasons, Padres arms have combined for ERAs of 3.86, 3.73, and 3.81 — all of which were top five in the National League.

San Diego has clearly liked what they have seen from Niebla, who is known as a legitimate managerial candidate someday. So as the MLB offseason trudges on, the Padres are trying to lock down their coaching staff. Manager Mike Shildt was given an extension and now they're hanging on to another important figure.

Padres News: Pitching coach Ruben Niebla gets contract extension

The Padres are set to extend Niebla to a multi-year deal behind good and proven reasons. Niebla's turned the careers of Michael King and Seth Lugo around as drifting long-relievers into solidified top-end starters.

"We’re going to reward the people that perform," Padres general manager AJ Preller told MLB.com. "Ruben’s been a big performer. Looking forward to him being a big part of the Padres organization for a long time."

The Friars swiftly signing their two biggest decision-makers is a great starting point for the team this offseason. Shildt and Niebla have created a winning environment that the players enjoyed and respected. The moves will hopefully have ripple effects in free agency and trade talks.

Could this mean that Dylan Cease is more inclined to stay in San Diego? After finally getting away from the Chicago White Sox, Cease found a lot of success with the Padres, ultimately striking out 224 batters in a league-best 33 starts. It might be difficult for Cease to leave the Padres, considering he is already comfortable and happy here, especially with Niebla hunkering down.

Whatever the case, having a reliable pitching coach who doesn't want to tear apart your mechanics while using analytical data is rare. This approach has been found to make pitchers happy, leaving a stronger desire to remain where they are. The same could be said for Michael King, who may find himself getting an extension if the Padres continue their push.

Preller may have not signed a big-time free agent just yet, but keeping Shildt and Niebla in the clubhouse is great news for Padres fans. Now that the pieces are falling in place, it seems as if their likelihood of inking an impact player is imminent.