The San Diego Padres have concluded their Spring Training campaign, achieving an even 15-15 record. As the team transitions into the regular season, significant concerns persist regarding their starting pitching lineup. Despite these anxieties, no new acquisitions or trades were made to bolster the rotation after the commencement of spring games.
The Padres are set to initiate the season with a tentative five-man starting rotation comprising Nick Pivetta, Michael King, Randy Vasquez, Walker Buehler, and Germán Márquez. The efficacy and physical condition of this group remain subjects of considerable uncertainty. Towards the end of Spring Training, pitchers such as JP Sears, Triston McKenzie, and Marco Gonzales were sent to the minor leagues to refine their command. Additionally, Matt Waldron, who still requires further conditioning to assume a starter's role, will begin the season on the injured list.
Several players are sidelined due to injuries as the season commences. Joe Musgrove, Bryan Hoeing, and Griffin Canning are starting the year on the 15-day injured list. Musgrove has not participated in a game since March 4 and has no reported pitching activity since March 8, continuing his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Canning is also rehabilitating from Achilles surgery. Jhony Brito has been placed on the 60-day IL, and Yu Darvish has been added to the Restricted List.
Bullpen mainstays Yuki Matsui, dealing with a groin strain, and Jason Adam, recovering from a quad tendon rupture surgery, are also on the injured list. Matsui has been working on rehabilitation exercises, necessitating a minor league rehab assignment. Adam participated in two Cactus League games, throwing 22 pitches and facing six batters without surrendering a hit. He requires further evaluation and increased workload to ensure his leg's stability. He could potentially return as early as April 6, with his IL stint backdated to March 22.
Utility player Sung-Mun Song, who suffered an oblique strain, made two plate appearances in the final game, walking once and striking out once while playing second base. He will begin the season on the IL to accumulate at-bats and practice at shortstop. The team's strategy for Song, particularly concerning his development in minor league repetitions at shortstop and outfield, will determine if he can fulfill the multi-positional role initially envisioned.
A notable roster challenge arises with Sung-Mun Song's eventual activation: Ty France cannot be assigned to the minor leagues without first clearing waivers. This scenario is highly improbable, presenting the Padres with a complex decision when Song is ready to return, as none of their current bench players possess minor league options.
Germán Márquez initially struggled with command during Spring Training but progressively improved, showcasing a 97 mph fastball and an effective knuckle curve. He pitched 16.1 innings, leading Padres pitchers with 23 strikeouts. Despite a 7.16 ERA reflecting his early difficulties, his final two starts demonstrated significant improvement. Márquez and Randy Vasquez both exhibited enhanced command and velocity during the spring sessions.
Despite the absence of Matsui and Adam, the Padres' bullpen appears formidable this season. Mason Miller is poised to be the closer, and the remaining relief pitchers are solid. Adrian Morejón, who discreetly increased his fastball velocity to 101 mph this spring, is capable of stepping in as a setup man in Adam's absence. The team will also carry Ron Marinaccio and Kyle Hart as swing/bridge pitchers. Jeremiah Estrada, David Morgan, Wandy Peralta, and Bradgley Rodriquez will be part of the active roster until Matsui and Adam are cleared to play. Marinaccio, lacking minor league options, cannot be sent down without clearing waivers.
The Padres' positional depth has seen a significant enhancement compared to the previous season. Gavin Sheets will start at first base against right-handed pitching, having performed strongly at the end of spring with three home runs in four games and demonstrating reliable defense. Against left-handed pitching, Nick Castellanos is expected to see playing time, with Miquel Andujar also in contention. Both can serve as designated hitters or come off the bench, excelling against lefties and providing multiple tactical options for the Friars. Ty France, a Gold Glove-winning first baseman, offers defensive relief and a consistent bat.
Jake Cronenworth will assume the role of backup shortstop, as no other players on the roster are positioned to relieve Xander Bogaerts. France can also cover for Cronenworth. Developing Song at the minor league level across multiple positions appears to be the optimal approach for deepening the team's versatility. Mason McCoy is available in the minor leagues should injuries occur. Will Wagner, recovering from an oblique strain that caused him to miss most of Spring Training, will start the season on the 10-day injured list.
Bryce Johnson has secured the fourth outfield position, a logical choice given his strong defensive skills, speed, and base-running abilities. His bat showed significant improvement last year, and with no remaining options, the team must keep him on the roster to retain him. Outfielder Jase Bowen made a strong impression this spring and is expected to join the main squad if any outfield injuries arise during the season.
Currently, there is no other catcher on the 40-man roster. Should Luis Campusano struggle to meet expectations, the Padres have two minor league options, Blake Hunt (currently injured) and Rodolfo Duran, who are considered more advanced than other available catchers. It appears Campusano will be given every opportunity early in the season to establish his place on the team.
MLB recognized their Spring Breakout First Team players following the conclusion of all games. Padres prospect Ethan Salas was honored as catcher, and outfielder Kale Fountain also received recognition. Both players hit significant home runs in the Padres' losing effort, with Salas making a notable return to the field. Fountain is transitioning from infield to outfield after completing rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery. Both prospects are anticipated to have breakout seasons and will be closely watched for their career development.
The Padres also made minor league signings, including right-handed pitcher Jose Leclerq, who missed all of 2025 due to a lat strain. The 32-year-old, known for his late-inning capabilities, will endeavor to regain his form in the minor leagues. Additionally, 25-year-old Dominican right-hander Julio Dilone signed a minor league contract, returning to the minors after spending the previous season in the Atlantic League. He previously played in the Seattle Mariners and Miami Marlins organizations, though never advancing beyond Single-A.
The San Diego Padres concluded their Spring Training with an even win-loss record, highlighting both areas of strength and concern as they look ahead to the regular season. The team's starting rotation faces notable uncertainties, complicated by several key players starting the season on various injured lists. However, the bullpen, despite some initial absences, appears robust, and strategic improvements in positional depth offer a glimmer of optimism. Critical decisions regarding player activations and roster management will be pivotal in shaping the team's performance in the upcoming campaign, particularly concerning utility players and catching depth. The promising performances of prospects like Ethan Salas and Kale Fountain in the Spring Breakout games also inject excitement for the team's future talent pool.