Will Michael Wacha, Cole Hamels impact Padres rotation?

The San Diego Padres started off free agency with a bang by luring Xander Bogaerts away from the Boston Red Sox, but their latest moves prove that AJ Preller is not taking his foot off the gas anytime soon. Michael Wacha was added on a major league contract while Cole Hamels agreed to a minor league deal.

After a strong start to his tenure with the Cardinals, Wacha ended up regressing and failing to catch on with either the Mets or Rays. Following his best season in years as a member of the Boston Red Sox, Wacha was able to turn his success into a four-year contract with tons of guarantees.

Hamels, on the other hand, has started just one game since the 2019 season and is 39 years old. While the odds are certainly against him that won't stop the four-time All-Star and World Series MVP from signing with his hometown team and giving it one last shot in the major leagues.

The Padres' rotation behind Yu Darvish is certainly much stronger than it was at the beginning of Spring Training, but there are still plenty of questions circling this unit that are not going to abate in the next few weeks. Will Wacha and Hamels be much of a change or short-term improvement?

Will Michael Wacha, Cole Hamels help the San Diego Padres?

Wacha projects to slide right into the rotation as the No. 4 starter, booting one of either Nick Martinez or Seth Lugo out of the rotation to start the season. With Lugo having been signed with the intent of eventually converting into a starter, the odds are that Martinez will get the short end of the stick.

Between Hamels and Julio Teheran, San Diego is taking a few fliers on former star pitchers that want to give it one more go in the major leagues. Hamels' velocity was never mind-blowing, meaning that he will have to win entirely on finesse and guile if he is to make the Padres' roster.

Hamels is likely not going to be a factor in San Diego's push to the postseason. However, if he shows some results in the minor leagues, there could be worse options in terms of veterans that could take up a playoff roster spot. He has the experience needed.