San Diego Padres’ Michael King (Image via Getty) The San Diego Padres are still working on their pitching staff before the 2026 season. The main focus is adding a starter who can handle a full workload without a large contract.Zack Littell is one of the names being discussed. The 30-year-old right-hander had a 3.81 ERA with 130 strikeouts in 186.2 innings in 2025, splitting time between the Tampa Bay Rays and Cincinnati Reds. He is a free agent, and a deal in the range of three years and $39 million is seen as a realistic outcome.
How Zack Littell fits into the current rotation
San Diego’s rotation currently includes Nick Pivetta, Michael King, Joe Musgrove, Randy Vásquez, and JP Sears. The group has some quality, but there are concerns about durability and depth.Zack Littell would give the Padres another reliable option. The team could move to a six-man rotation, which would help manage innings, especially for Musgrove, who is coming back from surgery, and King, who has dealt with injuries.Since Littell is unsigned, no trade is required. A contract around $13 million per year is expected, with possible bonuses tied to innings pitched, such as reaching 180 innings.
What the San Diego Padres would be getting
Zack Littell has been steady over time. He has a career 3.88 ERA and 1.21 WHIP across 602.2 innings. He is not a top-end starter, but he can provide consistent innings.Petco Park could help him. The stadium tends to limit home runs, which matters because Littell gave up 36 in 2025. That is the main concern in his numbers.For Littell, the move would offer a chance to pitch for a competitive team and secure a multi-year contract at this stage of his career.
Strengths and concerns
Littell has been durable. He has averaged 28 starts over the last two seasons and limits walks, with 32 last year.The main issue is home runs. Allowing 36 in one season is a risk, even in a favorable ballpark. At 30, he is also not a long-term solution at the top of the rotation.
Stat Tables
Littel 2025 SeasonValue W-L Record 10-8 ERA 3.81 Innings 186.2 Strikeouts 130 WHIP 1.10 Home Runs Allowed 36Padres 2026 RotationRole Nick Pivetta Ace Michael King No. 2 Joe Musgrove No. 3 Randy Vásquez No. 4 JP Sears No. 5 Zack Littell (Projected) No. 6Also read: MLB trade rumors: Philadelphia Phillies look at $5.72 million ex Cincinnati Reds pitcher to fill Ranger Suárez gapThis move would address a need without a major commitment. Littell gives the Padres innings and stability. The value depends on whether he can reduce the number of home runs he allows.