San Diego Padres are entering a defining stretch of their season, and the next move they make could determine whether they remain contenders in the NL West.
Following managerial changes and ongoing uncertainty surrounding Yu Darvish’s future, Padres have been linked to a major veteran addition. According to FanSided’s Zachary Rotman, San Diego should pursue three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer on a short-term deal reportedly valued around $10 million.
If Padres make this move, it would signal urgency in a division that shows little margin for error.
Why San Diego Padres Need Rotation Stability
San Diego Padres have talent across the roster, but their pitching staff remains an area of concern.
Yu Darvish recently addressed speculation surrounding his contract and potential retirement, stating that while he is leaning toward voiding his deal, his primary focus remains rehabilitation. His availability for the long term remains unclear.
That uncertainty leaves Padres searching for dependable innings at the top and middle of their rotation. While the club has added arms like German Marquez, Griffin Canning, and Walker Buehler for depth, questions remain about consistency.
For a team aiming to compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres cannot afford instability in their starting rotation.
What Max Scherzer Could Bring to San Diego
Max Scherzer’s résumé speaks for itself. The veteran right-hander is a three-time Cy Young winner, eight-time All-Star, and two-time World Series champion. Even at 41 years old, Scherzer brings elite experience, postseason composure, and a competitive edge that could benefit San Diego Padres both on and off the field.
Scherzer has surpassed 3,000 career strikeouts and remains one of the most accomplished pitchers of his generation. While his velocity may not match his peak years, his command and situational awareness still make him a formidable presence.
For Padres, adding a short-term veteran like Scherzer would provide leadership while minimizing financial risk. A one-year, $10 million deal offers flexibility while addressing immediate needs.
NL West Competition Forces Padres to Act
The National League West remains one of baseball’s toughest divisions. The Dodgers continue to operate with championship expectations, while the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants remain competitive. If San Diego Padres intend to keep pace, incremental improvements may not be enough.
Veteran pitching depth often proves decisive in September and October. Padres have experienced firsthand how thin rotations can derail playoff ambitions.
Adding Scherzer would not guarantee success, but it would give the them a proven arm capable of delivering in high-pressure situations.
Risk Assessment for the San Diego Padres
There are legitimate concerns surrounding age and durability. At 41, Scherzer would need careful workload management. However, San Diego Padres would not be committing to a long-term contract. The limited financial commitment reduces risk while offering significant upside.
If Scherzer delivers quality starts and veteran guidance to younger pitchers, the investment pays off. If injuries limit his availability, the short-term nature of the deal protects the San Diego franchise from long-term consequences.
For a franchise navigating transition under new managerial leadership, smart calculated risks may be necessary.
What This Means for San Diego Padres Moving Forward
San Diego Padres have built a roster capable of competing, but sustained success in the NL West requires depth and reliability.
With Darvish’s situation unresolved and division rivals continuing to strengthen, San Diego cannot afford complacency. A veteran addition like Scherzer would reinforce their postseason aspirations and send a message that the franchise remains committed to contending.
Whether the front office acts on this prediction remains to be seen. But as the season unfolds, the direction San Diego Padres choose to take with their rotation could define their 2026 campaign.
For now, the possibility of pairing proven accolades with existing talent gives Padres a clear path toward strengthening their ambitions.
