Padres Interested In Freddy Peralta, Nick Martinez, Matthew Boyd

Key Points:

• The San Diego Padres are actively pursuing free agent starting pitchers Freddy Peralta, Nick Martinez, and Matthew Boyd as they look to fill multiple rotation spots following the departure of several key starters in free agency.
• The Padres currently have a thin starting rotation, with Randy Vasquez, JP Sears, Joe Musgrove (potentially bullpen-bound), Ryan Weiss, and possibly Yu Darvish as the only options, creating a need to add at least four to five starters this offseason.
• Peralta’s market value is uncertain due to a midseason slump with the Mets, but the Padres may explore creative contract structures like opt-outs, a strategy they've used before with pitchers like King and Pivetta.
• Martinez and Boyd bring different profiles, with Martinez having recent success as a starter at age 36 and Boyd offering a veteran left-handed option despite some health concerns, likely filling a third-starter role.
• Padres president A.J. Preller is in discussions with new owners Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones about increasing payroll flexibility, with the team aiming to remain a top-10 payroll club and address needs across the rotation, bullpen, and lineup.