3 Padres starting pitchers who will begin 2024 season in the majors, and 2 who won't

The San Diego Padres starting rotation is a bit of mess at the moment. The Friars faithful have seen several subtractions already this offseason. While Blake Snell has yet to sign, Padres fans know he's not coming back to San Diego. The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner is seeking a huge payday following his tremendous 2023 campaign with the Padres.

But San Diego has also lost Nick Martinez, Seth Lugo, and Michael Wacha this offseason. Though the Padres were able to receive some pitching help in the Juan Soto trade with the New York Yankees, San Diego's pitching staff has definitely taken a step back heading into 2024.

But the absence of veterans outside of Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove will give the Padres' young hurlers a chance to make an impression in spring training. Which starters are likely to begin the 2024 season in the major leagues, and who'll be sent to Triple-A?

Padres RHP Pedro Avila will begin the 2024 season in the big leagues

Pedro Avila, originally an international free agent signee of the Washington Nationals back in 2014, has had his struggles with the Padres organization since coming over in a trade during the 2016-17 offseason. After undergoing Tommy John surgery near the tail-end of the 2019 season, Avila was designated for assignment, but re-signed a minor-league deal the very next day.

Avila was outrighted in 2022, but accepted the assignment, and until last season, has spent most of his Padres career in the minors. Throughout his tenure with the San Diego organization, Avila has 18 major league games under his belt and a career ERA of 3.11.

Avila will be 27 years old once the 2024 season begins, and while he did a nice job of keeping the ball on ground in 2023, a walk-rate of nearly 12-percent isn't going to keep the right-hander on the roster over the long haul.

Avila is out of minor-league options, so it's likely the Friars will give him one last chance to prove that he belongs. Avila does have experience coming out of the bullpen as well, so that's certainly an option. Look for Avila to be battling for that final spot in the rotation when spring training rolls around next month.