Six possible options as Padres target ‘another pitcher and hitter’ in MLB free agency

With the San Diego Padres still in the hunt for impact players, we take a look at six players the organization could pursue over the next few weeks in the MLB free-agent market.

Michael Conforto

Michael Conforto missed all of 2022 after not getting a free agent offer to his liking and opting to undergo shoulder surgery. The 2017 All-Star has hit 25 or more home runs in three of his seven seasons with the Mets. Injuries have dogged much of his career, but the outfielder is looking for a one-year deal and could come at a solid rate to make an immediate return to MLB free agency next year.

Michael Wacha

Michael Wacha has long been a solid starting pitcher in the league and had a career year for the Red Sox in 2022. He went 11-2 with a 3.32 ERA and 1.115 WHIP. The 31-year-old would certainly bolster their rotation and give them a proven talent for the back of the rotation.

J.D. Martinez

J.D. Martinez is one of the last big-name players left in MLB free agency. The 12-year veteran is getting long in the tooth at 35, but he is aging like fine wine by earning All-Star honors in four of the last five years, including in 2022.

Martinez would be a major addition to the lineup and fill and improve on the hole left by Josh Bell after he signed with Cleveland recently.

Nathan Eovaldi

Nathan Eovaldi is a year removed from earning All-Star honors for the Red Sox in 2021. Like Wacha, the 32-year-old is a proven and very competent starting pitcher who would be a major talent to help strengthen the back end of the San Diego Padres starting rotation.

The biggest knock on Eovaldi is his inconsistent health history and it makes a long-term deal a risk. A short-term deal would be to make the 11-year veteran a great addition to the team.

Michael Brantley Jr.

Michael Brantley Jr. would have been one of the biggest names on the market this offseason if not for season-ending shoulder surgery last season damaging his MLB free agent value. If healthy, the five-time All-Star would certainly bring another good bat to the lineup and a solid defense to the outfield. However, there is serious risk — mattering on the cost — based on Brantley Jr.’s injury history over the last few years.

Justin Turner

In the Rosental report on the San Diego Padres’ hopes to add another pitcher and bat, he reported that Justin Turner is a player on their wish list. The 38-year-old is one of the oldest players left in MLB free agency, however, he earned All-Star honors in 2021 and is still a meaningful addition to any roster. Plus, like Bogaerts he is another player with the championship experience the organization could use as they pursue their first World Series title.