Padres sign Kyle Hart, second starting pitcher in 24 hours

The San Diego Padres bolstered their pitching staff by signing left-hander Kyle Hart to a one-year contract with a club option for 2026, shortly after acquiring Nick Pivetta on a four-year, $55 million deal. Hart, who had a standout season in the Korean Baseball Organization with a 2.69 ERA and 182 strikeouts, aims to compete for the fifth spot in the rotation against other candidates like Matt Waldron and Randy Vásquez. This move adds depth to the Padres' rotation, which has raised speculation about potential trades involving existing pitchers, particularly Dylan Cease, as the team navigates financial constraints. Pivetta's signing, while significant, also indicates the Padres' ongoing concerns about their salary cap situation. With both Hart and Pivetta joining the roster, the Padres are well-positioned for Spring Training, although they may need to make strategic moves to manage their payroll effectively. The signings reflect the team's commitment to enhancing their pitching options despite looming financial challenges.