Padres predicted to sign $38.5M Cy Young-caliber All-Star to replace injured Nick Pivetta

Going into the season, it was clear that the San Diego Padres needed starting pitching. They addressed that need by adding depth, including signing former World Series champion Walker Buehler.

“Walker Buehler has signed with the San Diego Padres after the right-hander spent the first eight seasons of his major league career with their archrivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Buehler was in the Padres' clubhouse Tuesday morning after agreeing to a minor league deal with an invitation to big league camp,” ESPN wrote.

However, the rotation has already taken a hit, as Nick Pivetta suffered an injury earlier this week, once again creating challenges for San Diego.

“Nick Pivetta will be sidelined "weeks and maybe months" after an MRI revealed a flexor strain in his right elbow, San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen told reporters Wednesday. The team already had placed Pivetta on the injured list Tuesday, and while the hope is that he won't need surgery, the veteran right-hander will be sidelined well beyond the mandated 15 days,” ESPN wrote.

With no clear timetable for Pivetta’s return, the Padres may need to add another arm. One potential option is veteran free agent Lucas Giolito.

“The team that stands out as the best fit for Giolito is the Padres. They have a need for starting pitching, especially with Nick Pivetta sidelined with an elbow ailment. Giolito is easily the best solution for them, and perhaps the Padres’ ownership situation moving closer to a resolution could finally allow the team to pony up and give the righty what he seeks,” FanSided’s Robert Murray wrote.

A move for Giolito makes plenty of sense given the injury to Pivetta. The veteran is an All-Star and previously finished sixth in Cy Young voting earlier in his career.

Giolito’s last contract with the Boston Red Sox was worth $38.5 million, though he is not expected to command that same price now. For San Diego, adding a proven arm like Giolito while he remains available could provide a significant boost to the rotation.

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