3 San Diego Padres pitchers who the franchise didn’t develop into an ace

RH Pitcher Corey Kluber

Corey Kluber was never considered a top-pitching prospect for the Padres. There is no rhyme or reason why Kluber blossomed into an All-Star pitcher and a two-time Cy Young award winner. Failing to recognize his potential has been a major misstep for the organization.

The Friars sent Kluber to the Cleveland Guardians in a 2010 three-team trade deadline deal that brought Ryan Ludwick to San Diego from the St. Louis Cardinals. Quickly, he was brought up to the majors and became the Guardians workhorse component of their starting rotation.

Kluber recorded double-digit victories in five out of six years (2013-18) with Cleveland. It earned him two Cy Young awards, with the first coming in 2014. Kluber went 18-9 with a 2.44 ERA in 34 starts. He dominated the competition by striking out 269 batters in 235.2 IP. Kluber came back with another stellar award-winning season in 2017. He went 18-4 with a 2.25 ERA and struck out 265 batters in 203.2 IP. Kluber was dependable and showed he could pitch deep into games.

However, a myriad of arm injuries affected his ability to contribute on the mound. After returning from a tear of the teres major muscle in his right shoulder, Kubler has become a dependable starter at the back end of several team's starting rotation. The only question is if he can stay healthy for an entire season.