Today, the San Diego Padres made a key move to strengthen their starting rotation, signing the last big-name starting pitcher on the market in right-hander Michael Wacha.
The deal is pending a physical and the financial terms have yet to be revealed.
The 31-year-old joins a rotation that already includes Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, and Blake Snell, with Nick Martinez and Seth Lugo as other options.
Wacha enjoyed a bounce-back season with the Boston Red Sox in 2022, going 11-2 with a 3.32 ERA in 23 starts.
This morning, MLB insiders Matt Vasgersian and Harold Reynolds appeared on MLB Network to discuss the Wacha signing and what it means for him and the Padres.
The Padres and Michael Wacha have reportedly agreed to a deal!#MLBNHotStove | @jonmorosi pic.twitter.com/gUCyxlc3U6
—MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 14, 2023
Reynolds discussed how there are a lot of right-handed pitchers in San Diego’s rotation.
Snell is the only left-hander.
But Reynolds acknowledged that it should not be an issue for the Padres given their depth.
Vasgersian chimed in and took note of the fact that yet another former Red Sox star will be taking their talents out west to play for the Padres.
Wacha will join Xander Bogaerts, who also left the Red Sox for the Padres this offseason.
Vasgersian also commented on the Padres and their spending.
San Diego has also added Nelson Cruz and Wacha’s former St. Louis Cardinals teammate in Matt Carpenter.
Vasgersian pointed out that the Padres have made their intentions very clear.
After an NLCS appearance last year, their thirst is still not quenched, and they have high expectations heading into the 2023 season, as evidenced by their most recent signing.
NEXT:
MLB World Reacts To The Michael Wacha News
