Padres Lose Out on Free Agent Pitching Target to AL Contender

A potential target off the board.

The San Diego Padres have missed out on another free agent starting pitcher target.

Right-handed pitcher Michael Lorenzen has agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million deal with the Texas Rangers. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic was first to report the agreement.

Free-agent right-hander Michael Lorenzen in agreement with Rangers on one-year, $4.5M contract, pending physical, source tells @TheAthletic. Deal includes $2.5M in incentives, maxes out at $7M.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 21, 2024

Lorenzen had been linked to the Padres, but with their recent addition of right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease, they were less likely to sign him.

However, they could have used the starting pitching depth, and Lorenzen at that price would have been a great option.

Lorenzen is coming off a 2023 season in which he made the All-Star team for the first time in his career with the Detroit Tigers.

He had a 3.58 ERA in 18 starts with the Tigers, before being shipped at the trade deadline to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Lorenzen struggled in Philly, sporting a 5.51 ERA in 47.1 innings pitched, but he did throw a no-hitter in early August.

Lorenzen's market never materialized, so he was forced to sign a one-year deal with the hopes of re-entering the market next year and securing a larger big. 

The Padres definitely could have used a fifth starter with his upside at that price, but instead, he'll head to Texas.