Joe Musgrove Has High Expectations for Young Padres' Starting Pitchers

If the Padres have any hope of competing this coming season, they are going to need these young pitchers to step up. Starters Yu Darvish and Musgrove are the two veterans on the squad, and they will have to lead by example. 

The biggest issue for the Padres is that both Darvish and Musgrove ended the 2023 season injured, so they will be hoping that the same doesn't happen next year. 

Michael King was the headlining piece of the Juan Soto trade package, and he is expected to step right in for San Diego. The right-hander was great with the New York Yankees last season, posting an ERA of 2.75 over 104.2 innings of work. 

He can be used either in the starting rotation or out of the bullpen. King has been used in both roles before, and could also become a multi-inning reliever for the Padres. He'll likely be a starter, but they may work him up to that role throughout the season.

Matt Waldron was with San Diego last season, making his major league debut last year. In eight appearances, he posted an ERA of 4.35 and a WHIP of 1.23. 

He struck out 31 batters over 41.1 innings of work. The team is very high on his upside, and he will be a relied-upon member of the staff this coming year.