The San Diego Padres have multiple question marks regarding their roster for next season.
After a disappointing loss to the Chicago Cubs in the first round of the playoffs, the Padres now have to look ahead toward next season. San Diego boasted one of the top pitching staffs in the league this season, posting a 3.63 team ERA and allowing only 578 runs, both of which are third-best in the league.
With star pitcher Dylan Cease’s return up in the air, Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer listed the Padres as one of the top options to sign All-Star hurler Framber Valdez in free agency this offseason.
“The Padres are suddenly in need of a manager after Mike Shildt shocked the baseball world by announcing his retirement on Monday,” Rymer wrote Thursday. “And before long, they’ll also have two big holes to fill in their rotation. Dylan Cease is going to be a free agent, and Michael King will be as well once he declines his $15 million mutual option.
“Valdez fits the bill much better in this regard, and one thing that might draw him to San Diego is Petco Park. It’s more of a pitcher’s park than many people probably realize. The Padres don’t have a great infield defense, though, and how much they’re willing to spend to support their World Series dreams has been a question ever since Peter Seidler’s passing.”
Valdez is a two-time All-Star who has spent his entire eight-year career with the Houston Astros. The 31-year-old southpaw registered a 3.66 ERA this season for the Astros with 187 strikeouts in 31 starts. Valdez avoided arbitration last season with Houston, signing a one-year, $18 million contract according to Spotrac, but will be a free agent this offseason.
He likely won’t come cheap, but the veteran hurler would be a welcome addition to one of the league’s top pitching staffs.
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