Youth is the biggest factor on Padres pitcher Ryan Weathers' side as he looks to re-establish himself in the roster this season. The 23-year-old spent all of last year in the Minor League and gave up the second most home runs in the season with 31.
San Diego has made it a point to bring in multiple pitchers this offseason, including Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo, in an attempt to bring together a solid 6-man rotation while also solidifying a solid bullpen. Weathers knows he cannot follow the similar downward trend that he was on in 2021 and 2022.
The young pitcher spoke to reporter Sam Levitt during Spring Training and touched on how he plans to improve this season.
"Being around all these guys, you know, just pick their brains and ask questions," said Weathers. "I know where I want to be back and these guys have done it for a long time. So I just want to pick their brains and figure out what I need to do better and I just go out there and have fun and compete."
The Friars are certainly top-heavy heading into this season with talent, experience, and leadership. It is promising to hear that Weathers is taking advantage of being around winners and wants to learn how he can gain back the trust of the franchise.
One step that Weathers has taken already is a new pitching wind-up. He explained in the same interview why he decided to make the switch.
"It's something that gives me rhythm and a little bit of pace", said Weathers. "It allows me to get out in front a lot more, it allows my hop speed to be a lot better, and give me a better location."
Weathers had a lot of hype surrounding his name when he first signed with San Diego so don't count the young man out just yet.
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