The San Diego Padres have officially opened their 2026 offseason by signing right-handed starter Ryan Weiss to a one-year, $1.85 million contract, which includes a $4 million club option for 2028. This strategic move addresses the front office’s need for reliable starting depth without committing significant long-term financial resources. By locking in Weiss, the Padres gain a flexible asset who can serve as a late-inning starter or a bridge pitcher, allowing the organization to prioritize higher-profile acquisitions for the top of the rotation in the coming months.
A low-cost gamble on a KBO reinvention as San Diego secures depth for 2027
Weiss’s path to San Diego has been unconventional, marked by a difficult stint in the minor leagues where he posted a 4.99 ERA and a 1.453 WHIP over 389 2/3 innings. However, the right-hander found a second act in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) with the Hanwha Eagles. From 2024 to 2025, Weiss transformed his performance, posting a 3.16 ERA over 270 1/3 innings. This resurgence in international play suggests he has refined his command and pitch mix, offering the Padres a proven, albeit niche, starter who can handle a limited workload effectively.
The signing signals that the Padres are taking a calculated risk on Weiss’s recent form rather than relying on his historical MLB metrics. While his career minor league statistics do not inspire immediate confidence, his KBO success provides a tangible baseline for his current ability. This move allows San Diego to manage its payroll while keeping a viable option in the 2027 rotation, ensuring they have a fallback plan if their primary starters underperform. As the offseason progresses, Weiss’s role will likely be defined by his ability to maintain his KBO-level effectiveness in the major leagues.
Source: Yahoo Sports
