Free agent right-handers Freddy Peralta and Nick Martinez are on the radar for the San Diego Padres this winter, according to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.
Matthew Boyd also sits on the team’s radar, as Kevin Acee reported for the San Diego Union-Tribune. Acee said that the Padres have shown interest in virtually every starting pitcher currently on the market.
This rotation push follows a season where Michael King, Nick Pivetta, Walker Buehler, Casey Mize, Robbie Ray, and Griffin Canning all reached free agency. The front office needs to fill at least four rotation spots this winter.
Peralta, Martinez, and Boyd offer distinct price points for president of baseball operations A.J. Preller. Major League Baseball Trade Rumors projected a five-year, $110 million contract for Peralta, a two-year, $42 million deal for Martinez, and a one-year, $13 million agreement for Boyd. Preller also said that the team remains interested in re-signing Nick Pivetta after declining his $14 million team option last month.
Evaluating the Rotation Market
Peralta’s market value hinges on his performance split last season, which included struggles with the Mets followed by a rebound after a trade to the Rays. That extended cold stretch might prevent a standard nine-figure commitment, potentially opening the door for a creative structure with an early opt-out.
Martinez spent his last season exclusively as a starter in Tampa Bay after previously pitching in both starting and relief roles for San Diego. Boyd delivered a 3.50 ERA over 306 1/3 innings across the last two seasons with the Cubs, despite missing time in 2026 due to arthroscopic knee surgery.
The urgency to spend stems from a stark deficiency in rotation durability. The Padres generated just the fourth-fewest innings from their starters last season, finishing with a 4.42 starter ERA that ranked behind every playoff team except the Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros. The starting rotation remains the primary roster need, followed by left field, first base, and bullpen depth.
New owners plan to maintain top-10 payroll levels
Preller met with reporters in Las Vegas after evaluating options during the GM Meetings. He confirmed he would meet with new owners Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones to discuss spending capacity.
Feliciano and Jones plan to keep payroll at least on par with 2026, maintaining the club as a top-10 payroll team. San Diego carried an approximate $224 million payroll in 2026, ranking ninth in the league, with a luxury tax figure of roughly $269.4 million.
“Jose and Kwanza are open to having those conversations, open to what that means from a different dollar amount and different contract commitments, and hopefully we make some good decisions,” Preller said.
Looking ahead to next year, San Diego has commitments on the books with a tax number. The club has $60 million coming off the books from departed free agents, though massive long-term deals for Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Xander Bogaerts continue to consume roughly $80 million annually in competitive balance tax payroll.
Preller remarked to reporters that the offseason represents a chance to get younger and athletic from a “blank canvas,” with potential moves targeted before a projected lockout starting on Dec. 1.
Mason Miller supports retaining Adrian Morejon
Beyond the rotation, the Friars pursued right-hander Evan Phillips before he signed a three-year, $35 million contract with the Braves.
Meanwhile, newly crowned National League Reliever of the Year Mason Miller voiced support for retaining setup man Adrian Morejon, telling reporters, “I can’t say enough. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves, that’s for sure. Within our clubhouse, we know how valuable he is. We know we want him back next year.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary roster needs for the San Diego Padres this offseason?
The starting rotation stands as the top priority for the front office, followed by outfield help in left field, first base, and reinforcements in the bullpen.
How much financial flexibility do the Padres have for payroll?
San Diego has commitments on the books for next year with a luxury tax figure, alongside $60 million coming off the books from players entering free agency.
When is the upcoming deadline for potential roster moves before any potential league disruption?
General manager A.J. Preller is monitoring the market ahead of a lockout starting on Dec. 1.
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