Padres News: Michael Wacha Has 'No Idea What To Expect' With Future in San Diego

His future remains up in the air...

One of the bright spots throughout the tough year for the San Diego Padres was the performance of starting pitcher Michael Wacha all season. He helped keep them afloat throughout the season, and it helped them stay alive entering the final weekend of the year.

Wacha appeared in 24 games for the Friars, posting an ERA of 3.22 and a WHIP of 1.16. He also struck out 124 batters over 134.1 innings of work this season.

It was an impressive showing for the veteran pitcher, and it should net him a nice payday this offseason. He has a mutual option with San Diego this offseason that is worth $16 million, but he could opt out after a strong year.

He recently gave his thoughts on his future with the team and admitted that he had no idea what he was going to do. 

Michael Wacha was asked what the next few months hold for him as it relates to his contract options and future with the Padres: pic.twitter.com/egYoiSJQEZ

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) October 1, 2023

Wacha will likely take some time after the year to figure out what he wants to do, especially given how frustrating this season was for the team. He seemed to enjoy his time with the Friars, but money typically talks when it comes to free agency decisions.

“These past three weeks, you kind of see the way this team was put together, how explosive the offense can be, how dominant the pitching staff can be,” Wacha said. “The wins started racking up here. I was talking with some of the guys: I don’t want to face this lineup next year. It’s an absolutely studly lineup.”

Per MLB.com

The hope is that Wacha can return to the Padres next season, as it would give them a solid option in the rotation. They are expected to lose star Blake Snell in free agency, so having Wacha back in the mix gives them some needed depth.

But, nobody would blame him if he were to opt out and seek a larger deal as well. He earned it with his play this season, and San Diego may not be willing to pay him a ton of money at his age.

It was a long season for everyone involved, and this winter could see multiple members of the Padres rotation leave the squad.