The San Diego Padres have agreed to a minor league contract with veteran left-hander Marco Gonzales, adding depth to their starting rotation ahead of spring training. The deal, reported by MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, includes an invitation to big league camp and is worth $1.5 million if Gonzales makes the roster, with up to $1 million in incentives. The club has not yet confirmed the agreement.
With pitchers and catchers set to report to Peoria, Arizona, in a couple of weeks, the Padres face uncertainty in their rotation. Nick Pivetta remains after a breakout 2025 season, while the team re-signed Michael King this offseason. Joe Musgrove is expected to return following a season-long absence due to Tommy John surgery. However, Yu Darvish is sidelined for 2026 after elbow surgery and is weighing his future with the organization.
Current options on the 40-man roster include Randy Vásquez, who posted a 3.84 ERA in 28 appearances (26 starts) last year, though his 4.85 FIP raises questions about sustainability. Matt Waldron and JP Sears struggled in 2025, and Kyle Hart might serve in relief. To bolster depth, the Padres signed Triston McKenzie to a minor league deal in December and now turn to Gonzales as another potential project.
Gonzales, who will turn 34 in February, went unsigned throughout 2025 after undergoing left flexor tendon surgery in September 2024. Over 10 prior major league seasons from 2014 to 2024 with the Cardinals, Mariners, and Pirates, he compiled a 66-50 record with a 4.16 ERA in 170 games (162 starts). Injuries restricted him to just 17 starts from 2023 to 2024, distancing him from his peak performance.
Working with pitching coach and associate manager Ruben Niebla could help Gonzales revive his career, positioning him as a back-end rotation candidate if he regains form.
