Trio of young left-handed pitchers will factor for Padres in 2023
Credit: AP Photo
The San Diego Padres need starting pitchers for the 2023 season.
Currently, Yu Darvish, Blake Snell, and Joe Musgrove make up the first three members of the staff. Beyond them, the Padres do not possess a reliable starter who can eat innings in the coming season. That will need to be addressed. There is still time for A.J. Preller and his staff to upgrade this winter.
The Padres are always in the middle of trade talks, so we will have to wait and see what move they make. The team could sign a big free-agent pitcher or make a blockbuster trade at the drop of a hat. Preller is always in the middle of discussions.
If the team wants to look internally for help with the starting staff, then there are three pitchers who are capable of stepping up in 2023.
Here is a look at the trio and what they bring to the table. Keep in mind that any of them could also be dealt for upgrades this winter. Literally, anything can happen. But, if this group remains in San Diego, they will surely help this coming year. Either way, they will factor in the future for the Padres.
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Adrian Morejon  Age- 23
There is a lot to love about this young Cuban southpaw. His velocity ticked all the way up to 99 mph this season with the Padres, where he showed improved command. Composure and presence on the mound have always been iffy for Morejon, but he showed great maturity this past summer with the Padres. The sky seems to be the limit, as Morejon has at least two serviceable offspeed selections to go with his high-velocity fastball. The Padres will likely give him an opportunity to start, and he could really turn heads if Ruben Niebla works his magic.
Ryan Weathers  Age- 23
Remember him? The Padres only called on Weathers once in the 2022 season, as he spent the whole year in the PCL. In El Paso, the former first-round pick took a pounding earning a 6.73 ERA in 123 innings pitched. Hardly anyone enjoys success at the PCL Level, so his numbers must be taken with a grain of salt. At one point during the 2021 season, Weathers looked like a reliable future starter. He injured his foot/ankle towards the end of the year and never looked the same. If given an opportunity, you get a sense Weathers is due for a breakout of sorts.
Jay Groome  Age- 24
Coming over from Boston in the Etic Hosmer trade, there is some upside to this lefty. Groome has started his whole career where he features a four-pitch mix. His fastball sits in the mid-’90s, and his out pitch is a tight slider. Tommy John surgery and other nagging injuries have limited him, but he does own a 4.25 ERA over 300 plus minor league innings. Groome has yet to make his major league debut, and there is a good chance you will see him in 2023. He may benefit from Niebla and a full spring working with his new pitching coach.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.