The San Diego Padres have once again failed to secure their desired free agent starting pitcher.
Right-handed pitcher Michael Lorenzen has agreed to a one-year contract worth $4.5 million with the Texas Rangers. The deal was first reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Lorenzen had been connected to the Padres, but their recent acquisition of right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease made it less probable for them to pursue him.
Nonetheless, the Padres could have benefitted from additional starting pitching depth, and Lorenzen, at that cost, would have been an attractive option.
Lorenzen is coming off a successful 2023 season where he earned his first All-Star selection with the Detroit Tigers. He posted a 3.58 ERA in 18 starts with the Tigers before being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies at the deadline.
In Philadelphia, Lorenzen struggled, recording a 5.51 ERA in 47.1 innings pitched, although he did manage to pitch a no-hitter in early August.
Due to the lack of a strong market for his services, Lorenzen opted for a one-year deal with hopes of re-entering free agency next year for a more lucrative contract.
The Padres certainly could have benefited from a fifth starter with Lorenzen’s potential at that price, but instead, he will be joining the Texas Rangers.
