San Diego Padres linked to Cy Young finalist in MLB free agency

The San Diego Padres are set to endure a massive roster overhaul, with five players set to hit the open market, and more likely to opt out of their contracts. While they prepare for a full-on exodus, the team is linked to one free-agent pitcher that could completely reshape their starting rotation.

ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez reported that A.J. Preller and the Padres are a team to watch in the Framber Valdez sweepstakes, the top starting pitcher on the market. Valdez, 31, is coming off a down 2025 year by his standards, posting an ERA of 3.66 while allowing a lot of hard contact. His market value may be taking a fall, but it is not all because of production, as the southpaw was surrounded by controversy toward the end of the season.

On September 2, Valdez allowed a grand slam to the Yankees’ center fielder Trent Grisham. Astros’ catcher, César Salazar, motioned to Valdez, telling him to step off the mound before throwing the pitch, as he was trying to avoid a pitch clock violation.

A few pitches later, Salazar called for a curveball, but instead, Valdez threw a sinker that struck Salazar in the chest protector, as he wasn’t expecting that pitch. While miscommunication happens all the time, it left many to believe that it was intentional. Experts believe that this incident alone could cost Valdez millions in free agency.

It’s up to the Padres whether they want to sign the two-time All Star, as it would boost their rotation. The team is bracing for the departure of Dylan Cease and possibly Michael King. A rebrand of the rotation is a must for San Diego if they want to continue to contend, and Valdez. as a talent, is the best way to jump-start that.

Gonzalez also predicted the Padres to be in on pitchers such as Shane Bieber and Merrill Kelly, but those two are much cheaper than Valdez. The winter meetings can’t get here soon enough, as rumors are already starting to percolate.