New Faces, New Energy: Padres Add Veteran Power

The San Diego club made two moves before their first full‑squad workout, aiming to strengthen both the pitching staff and the lineup. They signed right‑hander Griffin Canning, who spent last season with the Mets and the Angels, hoping he can slot into their starting rotation. Canning’s recent numbers show a 4. 65 ERA, but an Achilles injury in June may keep him from starting immediately; the team will see how he performs in spring training. In a separate deal, the Padres welcomed outfielder Nick Castellanos. Castellanos, who hit 250 career home runs and has a strong left‑handed bat, will likely play first base or designated hitter. His arrival follows a controversial release from the Phillies, where he was said to have clashed with teammates and management. The club’s leadership says they are focusing on adding “extra arm, extra bat” to improve competitiveness. Manager Craig Stammen notes that veteran talent can elevate the entire roster, especially when the team already has a solid core of starters.Castellanos’ past success includes multiple postseason appearances and a . 785 career OPS, giving him credibility as a clutch performer. He is expected to bring energy and a winning mindset to the Padres’ clubhouse, which already boasts a strong offensive group. The Padres’ rotation currently features top pitchers Nick Pivetta, Michael King, and Joe Musgrove. A fourth spot will likely go to Randy Vásquez, while younger arms like JP Sears and Matt Waldron remain in the mix. Depth in starting pitching is crucial, as MLB teams typically use a large pool of pitchers over the season. Last year, San Diego had 10 pitchers make at least five starts, highlighting the importance of a deep rotation. The two acquisitions reflect the Padres’ strategy to blend experience with existing talent, aiming for a stronger lineup and more robust pitching options heading into the upcoming season.