Randy Vásquez entered last year’s spring training in Peoria, Arizona, noticeably out of shape and throwing his fastball around 88 mph. Throughout February and March, he concentrated heavily on strengthening his core, though this work did not immediately translate to increased velocity at the start of the season. For much of the first half of the year, Vásquez’s fastball speed held steady between 92 and 94 mph, gradually rising to the mid-90s, and eventually reaching an impressive 97.3 mph during his final start.
Progress Rooted in Consistency and Coaching
Padres pitching coach Ruben Niebla recalled the coaching staff’s approach last year:
“We had the vision of, like, we stay this course, hopefully this happens,”
he said. “And it happened.” This progress carried over into this year’s spring camp, where Vásquez arrived in better shape and already hitting 96 mph in his initial live batting practice session. In his spring debut against the Dodgers, he averaged a fastball velocity of 96.6 mph, delivering two scoreless innings while issuing just one walk and allowing a single.
Refinement of Offseason Strategy
After that 31-pitch appearance, Vásquez reflected on the work put in since last season:
“Just continuing off what we were working on last year,”
he explained.
“I was able to find that 98, 97, 96 (at the end of 2025). And just trying to use that going into the offseason and working on that throughout the offseason to get where I’m at today. … I think it was just working on that offseason plan with Niebla and really just constant communication with him. I feel like I’ve come into this season just more prepared.”
During this outing, Vásquez threw 11 fastballs, three of which reached at least 97 mph. For context, he threw only nine pitches at or above this speed throughout all of 2025, and those came late in the season. His average fastball velocity in spring training was more than five miles per hour higher than during his beginning-of-last-season debut.
Physical Transformation and Positive Feedback
Observers have praised Vásquez throughout the offseason and into spring for his leaner, more athletic build. The 27-year-old right-handed pitcher said through interpreter Jorge Merlos,
“I feel like I maintained the same weight (but) maybe am just a little bit more prepared than I was last time. I was able to build myself physically well. And I feel like at the end of the season, you saw what happened. I’ve maintained that throughout the offseason to come back the same way.”
Performance and Statistical Context
Since joining the Padres as part of the trade for Juan Soto in December 2023, Vásquez has developed a reputation for escaping difficult situations. Over two seasons, he has made 46 starts, including 26 in 2025 when he spent most of the year with the major league club, posting a 3.84 ERA over 133⅔ innings. While he allowed more contact than any pitcher with at least 130 innings in 2025, with an 85.4% contact rate, his increased fastball velocity helped generate more swings and misses late in the season.
The boost in consistent velocity this spring is expected to lead to a higher strikeout rate and a reduction in opposing baserunners during the 2026 campaign.
Competition for Roster Spots and Managerial Views
Padres manager Craig Stammen has offered high praise for Vásquez’s progress during spring training, though Vásquez is not guaranteed a starting role as the season approaches. “I mean, he’s right there,” Stammen said.
“We told him he’s coming in to compete. I like what we see when we tell Randy he’s got to compete. And you find out a little bit about somebody when something is not handed to them. We love Randy. The level we’re seeing so far this spring training, what we (saw in) the offseason, he’s gonna have a great season for us this year.”
Other Team Updates and Cultural Focus
The Padres remain hopeful that left-hander Yuki Matsui’s adductor strain will not prevent him from being ready for the season opener. Matsui is expected to spend the entire spring training in Arizona preparing for opening day as the team awaits an official announcement from Team Japan regarding his participation in the World Baseball Classic, expected soon.
Since Stammen’s hiring, he has emphasized building a family atmosphere within the Padres organization. Players, coaches, and their families have been encouraged to spend time around the team during spring, with activities replacing some morning workouts. Family gatherings have been held at the Peoria Sports Complex and Petco Park, aimed at fostering a close-knit environment.
“Family is a big part of who I am and what I believe in,”
Stammen noted.
“I hope to bring that type of culture to the team.”
Before the official family day, while players and coaches brought loved ones onto the practice field, Stammen noted the importance of making the ballpark feel like home.
“I want it to feel like when they come to the Peoria Sports Complex or Petco Park or wherever we’re playing that they’re going to their family, whether that’s their immediate family with them or the people that we have in the locker room feeling like family,”
he explained.
“And so the more that we create opportunities for that to be the normal, I think the better chance we have of that actually happening. A lot of people can say they want us to be a family, but how do you actually go about executing it. We’re gonna try and see how it works.”
Looking Ahead to the Season
Randy Vásquez’s increased pitching velocity and physical conditioning appear to position him well for a breakout 2026 season. His ability to improve despite earlier challenges, combined with the Padres’ supportive environment, suggests he could play a key role in the team’s rotation. How he performs in competing for a spot among the starters will be a critical storyline as spring training continues and the regular season draws near.
