San Diego Padres: Projecting the 2024 starting rotation possibilities

Is Pedro Avila an in-house option?

One of the Friars in-house candidates for a starting role is Pedro Avila, who forced his way into consideration by going 2-2 with a 3.22 ERA in six late-season starts. But patience is needed from the Friar Faithful as Avila is learning and growing. After a taste of the majors, he is ready to win a spot in the 2024 starting rotation. Unless the 40-man roster changes significantly, Avila will have an opportunity to prove his case in spring training.

What is next?

The Padres front office must be concerned with the lack of starting pitching depth on the 40-man roster, so A.J. Preller has work to do in solidifying the starting rotation.

The Friars could aggressively pursue arbitration-eligible starting pitchers on the trade market. This approach could be very promising as the Padres would have to give up minimal in a potential deal.

Also, options will be available on the free agent market this offseason, but they must refrain from signing pitchers who are just hanging around. Instead, the Friars must pursue starters looking to rebound from past struggles.

Luis Severino would be an excellent target after a disappointing season (4-8 with a 6.85 ERA) with the New York Yankees. A change of scenery might be good for Severino to regain his All-Star effectiveness on the hill.

The Padres seem to have unlimited solutions to their starting pitching problems. The choices, however, cannot fail or misstep next season.