The San Diego Padres come into the offseason with a clear need to bolster the starting rotation. They are at risk of losing two key starting pitchers in Dylan Cease and Michael King, in free agency.
However, that is not all. They will be without Yu Darvish for the 2026 season after he underwent surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon and repair his UCL with an internal brace.
It has been rumored that San Diego has been thinking about transitioning one of their relievers, like Mason Miller, to the starting rotation. However, that could be quite risky and weaken their bullpen. With the level of talent on the open market, they may be better off finding someone with experience at the position.
Padres emerge as one of he leading candidates to sign Japanese star pitcher
One pitcher that has gotten increased attention over the last few days is Tatsuya Imai. He has been pitching in the NPB with the Saitama Seibu Lions since 2018, has made the All-Star team three times, and will be posted on November 19.
On the 19th, all MLB teams will have a 45-day window to negotiate and sign the three-time NPB All-Star. If he cannot come to a deal within that time period, he will return to the NPB.
Since news of his posting, a few teams have been linked to Imai. However, MLB Network's David Vassegh revealed the leading candidates, which include the Padres.
"And speaking of some sources, with my Japanese friends out there, they told me that the Yankees, Phillies, Blue Jays, and Mets are the leading candidates to sign Imai, along with the Padres, who we know is in desperate need of starting pitching, and they obviously have the advantage of geography being on the West Coast."
While it has been a nightmare scenario for the Padres since the season ended, this should give the fans some hope. Imai has the ability to lead this rotation and would be a great free agent signing.
More MLB news:
- Padres among a handful of teams gauging the catching market
- Astros go into the offseason looking to improve depth at catcher
- Tigers join the battle for top free agent starting pitchers
- Giants among teams scrambling for back-end help in the bullpen
- Closer market starting to heat up as Yankees watch from a distance