The San Diego Padres have had one of the most talented rosters for a while now, but they never seem to get over the hump of the Los Angeles Dodgers to make a World Series. Sometimes, struggling just to make the playoffs.
The Padres seemed to be on the right track and getting closer in 2024 and in 2025, and then manager Mike Shildt retired in October of 2025.
The Padres hired former Padre pitcher Craig Stammen as the new manager to get them over the hump and make a World Series. Stammen’s history as a pitcher suggests that the Padres must get better in all aspects of the game to defeat a team like the Los Angeles Dodgers, and it starts with starting pitching.
That’s why the Padres will sign future Hall-of-Fame Justin Verlander.
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Justin Verlander To Sign With Padres
Justin Verlander has completed 20 seasons of pitching that will eventually see him enter Cooperstown as a first ballot Hall-of-Famer whenever he becomes eligible. Which may be for a while, considering he is still pitching at a high level at the age of 42.
He just finished his 20th season with the San Francisco Giants, where he started 29 games and had a 3.85 ERA. That is absolutely amazing for a player at his age. After a rough 2024 season with the Astros, Verlander just proved to everyone and himself that he can still pitch.
The San Diego Padres could use a pitcher like Verlander for next season. The Padres are stacked with positional players, and their star pitcher, Dylan Cease, is set to leave for free agency. The Padres should be looking to add at least two starting pitchers in free agency.
The Padres had only two starting pitchers with more games started than Verlander in 2025, and two with higher wins above replacement. Verlander is not just the veteran that will become their fifth starter; he will become a bona fide piece they rely on all season if he can replicate his 2025 season, which is on the low end of his career.
With Dylan Cease gone, the Padres are hoping Yu Darvish can return to form and Randy Vasquez can take the next step. The Padres should be looking to go after one of the big fish of starting pitchers in free agency, in Justin Verlander.
The Dodgers proved how important starting pitching is in the playoffs by using four starting pitchers in Game 7 of the World Series. Craig Stammen must make it clear to his general manager that this roster needs talented pitchers.
Potential Justin Verlander Contract
With Verlander entering his 21st season and turning 43 in February, he is very much in the portion of his career where he will be signing one-year deals.
Verlander has earned over $400 million in his career and is looking for another World Series ring. Expect several teams trying to land him, similar to a Max Scherzer with Toronto situation.
Spotrac.com has Verlander projected to sign a one-year, $7.8 million deal. If that is the cost to sign a future Hall-of-famer who is still pitching as good as any team’s third or fourth starter, that is an absolute steal.
The Padres could then afford to go after one of the top pitchers out there as well, someone who will command more than $20 million a year.
The San Diego Padres could have a starting pitching issue going into 2026 if they don’t get the offseason right. The Padres must be aggressive under their new manager and sign additional talent, starting with Justin Verlander.
