Padres Sign Right-Handed Starter in First Offseason Move of 2026

Apr 25, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of the cap and glove of pitcher Randy Vásquez (98) (not pictured) in seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports | Source: Lastwordonsports.com - Lewis Masella, Site EditorThe San Diego Padres have made their first move of the 2026 offseason, signing right-hander Ryan Weiss to a one-year, $1.85 million deal with a $4 million club option for 2028. How might the signing affect San Diego’s offseason plans moving forward? Here is a look at how Weiss might fill out the Padres’ 2027 rotation, and their remaining plans for the 2026 offseason.Mar 14, 2022; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Ryan Weiss during spring training practice at Salt River Fields. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectA Rollercoaster Professional CareerPrior to 2026, Weiss had played for two MLB organizations (Arizona Diamondbacks and Kansas City Royals), several independent leagues, the Chinese Professional Baseball League and the Korean Baseball Organization. He struggled to find a groove in the minor leagues, posting a career 4.99 ERA in 389 2/3 innings of work. Weiss’s 1.453 WHIP and .275 opponent batting average in the minors aren’t inspiring confidence either.Welcome to San Diego, Ryan!We have signed right-handed pitcher Ryan Weiss to a one-year contract with a club option for the 2028 season. https://t.co/NBubyHCUdg— San Diego Padres (@Padres) November 11, 2026It has been a long and difficult road to get to the majors. The right-hander reinvented himself in Korea, joining the Hanwha Eagles of the KBO. From 2024-25, Weiss posted a 3.16 ERA in 270 1/3 innings pitched. The righty was especially potent in 2025, with a 2.87 ERA across 178 2/3 innings of work with the Eagles. In 30 starts, Weiss won 16 games with 207 strikeouts.That production earned Weiss a one-year, $2.6 million contract with the Houston Astros. He cracked the Opening Day roster before being sent back to the minors after struggling. Weiss allowed 22 earned runs across 26 innings. That being said, he ended the season well. Weiss finished the minor-league season with a 1.37 ERA in his final 19 2/3 innings.Filling Out Rotation DepthWeiss immediately bolsters a group in sore need of starting pitching depth. Prior to the signing, the Padres’ projected starting rotation is comprised of Joe Musgrove, Randy Vásquez, JP Sears, Jhony Brito and Kyle Hart. Vásquez is the only legitimate starter of the group. Musgrove’s spot in the 2027 rotation is not locked down, Sears has struggled at the big-league level, and Brito and Hart have been serviceable bulk relievers at best.Despite his lack of big-league experience, Weiss’s stuff is solid. He features five pitches in his mix, including a four-seamer, sinker, changeup, sweeper, and curveball. His sweeper and changeup are his best pitches (32.4 and 37.9 whiff percentage), combined with a solid 95.2 mph four-seam fastball (95.3 is RHP average). Weiss is probably the first of many signings by general manager A.J. Preller to fill out San Diego’s rotation depth for 2027.The Last WordThe Padres entered this offseason with glaring holes in their roster. None was as bad as the rotation. With ace Michael King, Walker Buehler, Nick Pivetta, Robbie Ray, Griffin Canning, Lucas Giolito, and Casey Mize all key Padres free agents, San Diego desperately needs starting pitching. Weiss doesn’t fully address that problem, but he is the beginning of a solution. With the GM Meetings in Las Vegas currently going on, it won’t be surprising to see a few more moves from Preller before the end of the week.The Padres have been linked to several big-name starting pitchers this offseason, including the likes of ace Tarik Skubal. King and Pivetta are also potential returners, even after San Diego declined Pivetta’s club option. No matter what happens, San Diego will need to keep adding to fill out their rotation. Regardless, signing Weiss is the start of what could be the most productive Padres’ offseason in years. More Baseball News:Brewers Pat Murphy Wins Third Straight NL Manager of the Year AwardKevin Cash’s 2026 Season Should Be RecognizedWhite Sox’s Will Venable Named AL Manager of the Year After Successful Season Main Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports