Valentina Martinez

Joined: 08/01/2024 Aug 1, 2024

Valentina Martinez is an On SI writer. She has in depth knowledge of the baseball community and has covered professional sports extensively. Valentina graduated from Arizona State University.

May 4, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Ramon Laureano (5) after hitting a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants during the ninth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres News

Aug 23, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) celebrates as he scores as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) looks on during the eighth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres News

May 13, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) gets ready to play the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres News

Apr 17, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Matt Waldron (61) looks on after a pitching change during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres News

Feb 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; San Diego Padres catcher Ethan Salas (90) bats against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres News

San Diego Padres top prospect Ethan Salas is raking in the minors and it's earned him a high ranking on the top prospects list.

Apr 29, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Matt Waldron (61) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres News

The San Diego Padres have decided what to do with pitcher Matt Waldron, who will be replaced by Lucas Giolito in the starting rotation.

May 13, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Mason Miller (22) reacts after picking up a save against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres News

San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller was picked as the Cy Young favorite over superstar pitchers Shohei Ohtani and Paul Skenes.

Apr 23, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Matt Waldron (61) and catcher Freddy Fermin (54) in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres News

The San Diego Padres are predicted to part ways with a veteran pitcher after a nightmarish performance this season.

Feb 28, 2023; Clearwater, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Nick Castellanos (8) talks to manager Rob Thomson (59) before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays during spring training at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres News

San Diego Padres' Nick Castellanos gave his honest thoughts on the firing of Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson.

Aug 20, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher JP Sears (38) delivers during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres News

The San Diego Padres could cut ties with a pitcher after acquiring him in a trade ahead of last summer's deadline.

Feb 22, 2026; Peoria, Arizona, USA; San Diego Padres outfielder Nick Castellanos against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres News

Padres' Nick Castellanos didn't take kindly to a reporter's question after he hit a game-tying home run in Sunday's win against the St. Louis Cardinals.

May 9, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) hits a broken bat 2-RBI single during the fifth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres News

Fernando Tatis Jr.'s bat was responsible for the San Diego Padres' biggest home run of the season, but he wasn't the one to hit the blast.

Aug 26, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito (54) reacts to a strikeout to end the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres News

A former teammate of Lucas Giolito said the pitcher is the perfect fit with the San Diego Padres.

Sep 13, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Luis Arraez (4) first baseman Ryan O'Hearn (32) after scoring a run during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres News

The San Diego Padres saw key players leave the organization in free agency last winter. There are four former Friars in particular who are thriving with their new teams.