SURPRISE, Ariz. — Matt Waldron stands at a pivotal point in his career as he vies to secure a place on the San Diego Padres roster for the 2026 season. With no remaining minor league options, Waldron is either poised to break into the Padres’ pitching rotation or risk parting ways with the organization altogether. This high-stakes situation has led to a renewed approach in his pitching strategy and mindset.
Adapting the Approach: Freedom from Constraints
Waldron revealed that the Padres coaching staff has loosened restrictions on his pitching style this year, allowing him to compete more authentically on the mound.
“I’m out of options this year,”
he explained, referencing the fact he cannot be sent to the minors without being exposed to other teams.
“So that’s one thing they kind of just free-reined it a little bit and said, ‘Hey, take this under your control a little bit more and compete the way you are.’ And … how I felt before going into the game, it was just like, be myself. And it wasn’t like confined at all or constrained by a percentage. Just go out there and compete.”
Knuckleball Usage Reflects Waldron’s Struggle with Identity
In the Padres’ recent 10-3 win against the Kansas City Royals, Waldron pitched two scoreless innings, throwing the knuckleball on 33% of his pitches—significantly less than the 50% or higher frequency the team had previously encouraged. Historically, Waldron’s effectiveness increased with the knuckleball, as shown during a stretch in 2024 when he maintained a 2.76 ERA by deploying the pitch in 41% of his throws. Conversely, in starts where he relied on the knuckleball less than 34%, his ERA ballooned to 7.84.
Despite the statistics, Waldron has wrestled with balancing his pitching repertoire, which likely contributed to inconsistency and eventual demotion to Triple-A throughout most of 2025.
Manager Craig Stammen Recognizes Waldron’s Renewed Confidence
Padres manager Craig Stammen acknowledged that the team previously pressured Waldron to increase his knuckleball usage, which may have hindered his natural rhythm.
“I think in the past, we’ve definitely tried to steer him towards using the knuckleball more without trying to put a percentage on it,”
Stammen said.
“But at times we were frustrated he wasn’t using it enough. But I think we’ve kind of freed him up. … Pitching is all about having intent and conviction with the pitch that you’re throwing. And right now, that’s what it looks like when he’s out there.”
Expanding the Arsenal Beyond the Knuckleball
Waldron’s velocity stands out compared to traditional knuckleballers; he can reach 94 mph with his fastball. Alongside the knuckleball, he offers a variety of pitches including a sharp sweeper, sinker, and cutter.
“I can land backdoor sweepers arguably better than a lot of people can … and I can move the fastball around,”
Waldron shared after his performance Saturday.
“So why not use that as a weapon and continue to try and be the best version of myself?”
During that outing, he mixed his pitches strategically, finishing an inning with a knuckleball strikeout while also relying on his four-seam fastball, thrown seven times with two pitches topping 94 mph.
Positive Signs from Season Preparation and Coach’s Observations
Stammen praised Waldron’s offseason transformation, noting physical changes and a brighter mental outlook. “Waldy looked great,” he said.
“He put in a lot of work this offseason, transforming his body a little bit, transforming just everything about him as a pitcher. I think he’s in a really good mindset right now and doesn’t view himself necessarily as just a knuckleball pitcher but a really good pitcher. I think that has freed him up a little bit.”
Injury Updates and Challenges Facing Other Padres Players
In other team news, the Padres await an official announcement from Team Japan regarding reliever Yuki Matsui, who left a live batting practice session early due to a low-grade left adductor strain. This groin area injury makes it unlikely that Matsui will participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Manager Stammen commented on Matsui’s condition, describing the path to pitching in March’s tournament as “a tough road.” Japanese media have reported Matsui did not perform as expected during fielding drills.
Walker Buehler’s Efforts to Join Padres Rotation
Former Dodgers star Walker Buehler is also making strides to earn a spot in the Padres pitching rotation after signing a minor-league deal. During his first live batting practice at Peoria Sports Complex, Buehler threw fastballs in the 92–93 mph range, noticeably slower than his peak velocities. Despite that, his command and movement impressed observers, especially his curveballs and cutters which repeatedly baffled hitter Manny Machado in three at-bats.
“Walker looked great,” Stammen said.
“You can see his competitiveness — or hear his competitiveness. That’s what he brings to the table. … He looked really good. Liked what I saw.”
Outlook for Padres’ Pitching Rotation Decisions
As spring training progresses, Matt Waldron remains one of six pitchers competing for two available starting rotation spots. His renewed confidence, diversified pitching style, and physical transformation have strengthened his chances of making the Padres roster in 2026. How he continues to balance his unique knuckleball with other offerings could prove decisive in final roster selections.
