Padres Add Right-Hander as Free-Agent Targets Emerge

The Padres added a right-handed pitcher on November 10, bringing him in on a major league contract. He made nine appearances, including two starts, for the Houston Astros in 2026. The previous year, he recorded a 2.87 ERA over 30 starts in South Korea’s KBO league.

San Diego’s starters ranked among the bottom four in innings pitched last season, leaving the bullpen with a heavier burden during the postseason. The team is expected to keep seeking starting pitching during the offseason.

Three potential free-agent targets have also surfaced, including two who could address the lineup. Their names were not specified in the available details.

Another player connected to San Diego is left-handed reliever Alex Vesia, who is a free agent after pitching for the Dodgers. Across six seasons in Los Angeles, he posted a 2.87 ERA and struck out 32.6% of hitters over 332⅓ innings. He recorded scoreless appearances in 28 of 31 postseason outings.

Vesia’s improved changeup in 2026 helped him against right-handed hitters, while walks remain a concern. The Padres could view him as a less costly bullpen option if Adrian Morejon’s future with the team remains uncertain amid offseason interest in the reliever.