Padres Rumors: Insider Lists Friars as Honorable Mention for Top Starting Pitcher in Free Agency

A new rotation could hit Petco Park in 2024.

Part of what made the Padres' 2023 preseason outlook so enticing was their pitching staff butseveral pieces of last year's rotation may be on the way out this winter. 

The 2024 season could spell changes for the Friars' pitching depth as a result due to possible voids left by several impending free agents from last year's starting five. 

With Blake Snell, Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo all potentially departing this offseason, the Padres rotation is going to look different behind Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove, but the front office is preparing to cut costs. According to Kevin Acee of the

San Diego Union-Tribune

, the plan is to cut the payroll to somewhere around $200 million.

via Joel Reuter, Bleacher Report

Snell is all but guaranteed to leave due to the paired organizational mentality to shed payroll and his stellar Cy Young performance in a contract season. 

San Diego's priorities lie elsewhere with securing Juan Soto's long-term future with the team and MLB's ERA leader in 2023 will likely continue his baseball career elsewhere due to these factors. 

Wacha earned himself a Pitcher of the Month award earlier this season but the veteran could seek a new destination due to an option in his contract as well. 

Lugo's first season as a full-time starter in several years turned into a rousing success and an option in his contract may see him also skip town for a bigger payday elsewhere. 

What sticks out from these three names is the fact that they all finished the year healthy unlike Darvish and Musgrove who are under contract with the franchise for 2024. 

Payroll may be slashed but if the Padres want to compete in 2024, some rotation help behind their two remaining veterans will be necessary. 

Sonny Gray's name among others will garner big markets this winter and don't be shocked if the Friars chase one or more of these arms for a rebound season. 

Reuter thinks they'll be among the teams to make a play for Gray this offseason.