Padres Rumors: Friars Pundit Doesn’t Think Declining Reliever Will Return in 2024

Friars might let aging veteran walk after a poor season.

The Padres will have a lot of holes to fill this offseason without having as large amount of spending cash as they had last offseason.

After missing the playoffs this year, the team will most likely see All-Star pitchers Blake Snell and Josh Hader leave in free agency as both arms will command hefty contracts.

Another pitcher who could be let go by the ballclub is veteran relief pitcher Luis García following a disappointing 2023 year.

Dennis Lin of The Athletic talked about how the team most likely won't bring back this experienced arm.

"García experienced a sharp decline in 2023, going from one of the Padres’ higher-leverage relievers to one of their least reliable arms. He still throws hard, but he’ll be 37 in January, and the chances of a re-signing are slim."

(via Dennis Lin, The Athletic)

García joined the team in 2022 and tossed 61 innings with a respectable 3.39 ERA while striking out 68 batters and walking 17.

In 2023, García pitched 59.2 innings but his ERA crossed over 4 ending at a 4.07 ERA while also striking out fewer batters, 53, and walking more, 24.

While his numbers are not terrible his age is a big concern, especially considering the fact that many other bullpen arms went down during the year and his age might affect how many appearances he can make.

If the Padres do bring him back it would most likely be on a team-friendly deal with incentives built into it to make it more appealing for García to sign back.

The Padreshave a limited checkbook this offseason so they will most likely be prioritizing young talent already in the organization or quality signings that can help the team win in 2024.