Insider Links Padres to 2-Time All-Star Starting Pitcher Who Had Down 2023 Season

The Padres do need starting rotation help.

The San Diego Padres are entering into the offseason with the expectation of losing most of their starting rotation from a year ago to free agency. Pitchers Blake Snell, Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo all are hitting the market and none are likely to return to the team.

The Padres will have to find some way to fill that void in their rotation and it could see the team sign a few pitchers. They still have Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove on the roster, but updating the pitching staff is crucial.

One name that has been floated around for them is former New York Yankees right-hander Luis Severino. He is coming off a down 2023 season but is primed for a bounce back year.

MLB insider Mark Feindsand of MLB.com has linked Severino with the Friars, and the pairing could work well.

"The Padres will spend much of the winter trying to restock a rotation that stands to lose free agents Blake Snell, Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo. San Diego isn’t expected to spend big on any of the top starters, but Severino – who is coming off the worst season of his career – could be a prime bounceback candidate in 2024."

Per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com

Last year with the Yankees, Severino posted an ERA of 6.65 and a WHIP of 1.65. He struggled in the early part of the season but did get better toward the end of the year.

Over his last five starts, he allowed more than three runs just one time. Just a few years ago, Severino was one of the best pitchers in baseball, so his joining the Friars on a one-year prove-it deal could make a lot of sense.

The Padres need help all over their rotation and they may as well take a chance on Severino. Maybe he can return to form this season and the Padres got one of the steals of the winter.