Padres Open to Reunion with Nick Martinez, Michael Wacha

Should the Friars bring either back next season?

The Padres declined the options on both pitchers Michael Wacha and Nick Martinez to open the offseason. But there is a chance for either of them to return next season.

Padres President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller gave thoughts on both Martinez and Wacha, saying that the team is open to having them both return next season.

On declining the Martinez/Wacha team options: "The first move of the offseason, we just weren't comfortable at those price points. ... We're very open to those guys coming back."

— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) November 8, 2023

It’s interesting that he didn’t mention Seth Lugo, but it was expected that Lugo would be done with San Diego once he opted out of his option. But the Padres will need to round out their rotation, especially considering the majority of their starting pitchers are free agents this winter.

Bringing back Wacha seems like the best chance, and he was great for them this year. He gave the team an opportunity to win each time out, and he earned himself a nice payday this offseason.

Wacha posted an ERA of 3.22 over 24 starts, and a record of 14-4. He put up a WHIP of 1.16 and struck out 124 batters in 134.1 innings of work.

Other than Blake Snell and Josh Hader, Wacha was arguably the best pitcher for the Padres this past season, and they would be wise to keep him. He has said that he doesn’t know what the future holds for him in San Diego, but it makes sense for a return.

As for Martinez, he could be a candidate for return as well. He posted an ERA of 3.43 in 63 games played, starting nine of them.

Martinez was a reliable force for the Padres this past season, and the team needs players like him moving forward. If the two sides can come to terms that both feel is a comfortable price, Martinez would provide a nice benefit to the Friars.