The San Diego Padres aim to keep several of their upcoming free agents this offseason to replicate their success from the 2024 MLB season. This includes not only players but also coaches.
A key free agent for the team is pitching coach, whose contract expires after the World Series. Niebla joined the Padres in 2021 on a three-year deal, and the team is now looking to extend his contract.
General manager AJ Preller praised Niebla’s contributions and expressed his hope to retain him. “He’s capable of doing a lot,” Preller stated, as reported by Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune. “We’re hoping it’s with the Padres, and I feel confident he enjoys his time here. He really loves the organization and the city. We’ll have conversations in the coming weeks, and I’m optimistic we’ll reach an agreement.”
Niebla played a crucial role in the Padres’ success this season, transforming the starting rotation and bullpen into one of the league’s best. He helped Michael King transition from a reliever to a standout starter, becoming arguably the team’s top pitcher.
Under Niebla’s guidance, the Padres’ rotation achieved notable feats, including Dylan Cease’s no-hitter and near-no-hitter. Cease ended the season tied for third in strikeouts, while King posted the ninth-best ERA. Despite injuries to key pitchers Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove, the rotation remained effective, contributing to the team’s wins.
Overall, the Padres’ pitching ranked 12th in MLB for ERA and fourth in total wins this season.
When Darvish and Musgrove returned, the Padres entered the postseason with a strong rotation. Although Musgrove suffered an elbow injury that necessitated Tommy John surgery, he had been one of the league’s top pitchers before his injury. Darvish returned to form, especially in the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
While the Padres were often recognized for their batting lineup, keeping Niebla could ensure their pitching remains poised for continued success.
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