Padres’ wide-open rotation puts every A.J. Preller decision under the microscope

A.J. Preller described the Padres’ unsettled pitching staff as a “blank canvas.” It was an optimistic way to frame a rotation that currently looks more blank than promising. Randy Vásquez is the only surefire returning member of San Diego’s 2026 rotation. Michael King opted out, while the Padres declined Nick Pivetta’s club option. Walker Buehler, Robbie Ray, Casey Mize, Lucas Giolito and Griffin Canning also reached free agency.

King, Pivetta and Buehler have expressed interest in returning, but until contracts are signed, they are just possibilities.

Preller has always controlled San Diego’s baseball decisions. What changed is the concentration of responsibility in front of him. Nearly every important rotation spot now requires a fresh decision. And every answer will carry Preller’s fingerprints.

A.J. Preller must turn Padres rotation flexibility into something real

An open rotation spot isn’t exactly something to brag about. It only matters if the Padres fill it with someone who is reliable and can help them win. Preller could land an ace or uncover another bargain for pitching coach Ruben Niebla to sharpen. He could also leave behind a hole disguised by optimistic projections. But they have too many openings living on hope.

Musgrove returned from Tommy John surgery during the postseason, but his exact role remains uncertain. Yu Darvish’s future is still unclear. JP Sears and Jhony Brito spent most of 2026 in the minors, while Luis Gutierrez has yet to pitch in the majors. Vásquez provides one legitimate piece, but he cannot be treated like the foundation of a championship rotation simply because he is the last established starter standing.

We can appreciate the upside. Preller and Niebla have earned some trust when it comes to identifying arms who can improve in San Diego. One rebound candidate is creative. But four would obviously be way too much.

A King reunion would help tremendously, but it wouldn’t finish the job. Neither would bringing back Pivetta. Even landing one major external target would leave Preller with more work to do. The sheer number of openings makes this a full reconstruction. Honestly, that’s probably something that excites Preller. He has built his reputation on aggression, creativity and the willingness to make the move nobody saw coming. This is exactly the kind of assignment he seems to enjoy.

The Padres are not rebuilding. Their core is supposed to be competing for the National League West. Every season spent patching obvious roster holes burns another year of that window. Preller called the rotation a blank canvas because he sees opportunity. We see it, too.

By the time the Padres arrive in Peoria, this rotation should tell us exactly how seriously the organization intends to chase a championship in 2027.

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