Pitcher from the Blue Jays and Dodgers is still available; the Padres are a natural landing spot
In an attempt to reduce costs, San Diego has already lost Josh Hader to free agency, and while he is still available, 2023 National League Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell is expected to sign elsewhere.
With their abundance of skill, the Padres ought to be able to contend in the National League West. Despite this, A.J. Preller, president of Baseball Operations for the Padres, has stated that the team is still seeking to bolster its starting rotation and outfield.
Former Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu is one player who is still available who could make a lot of sense and fit the club’s budget. Ryu is a 10-year big league veteran with a career 3.27 ERA in 186 total appearances along with a 934-to-236 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He has struggled with injuries over the last two seasons but appears to be healthy and could be signed for a low cost; Spotrac projects that he will receive a contract worth slightly more than $8 million.
Despite playing in just 11 games with Toronto last season, the seasoned right-hander finished with a 3.46 ERA and a 38–14 strikeout–to–walk ratio in 52 innings worked.
Ryu could certainly strengthen the back of the rotation because he has a ton of experience pitching in the National League West. Ryu might be a viable option for the Padres if they want to expand their lineup without going over budget.