RADIO
Padres Extend Qualifying Offer to Adrian Morejon
The San Diego Padres extended a one-year, $23.15 million qualifying offer to left-handed reliever Adrian Morejon, according to the New York Post's Joel Sherman. The 27-year-old hard-throwing southpaw is expected to decline the offer and become one of the top relievers available in his prime. Morejon has until Nov. 17 to accept or decline the offer. The Padres chose not to extend a qualifying offer to first baseman Ty France. Morejon, who hits triple digits on the radar gun regularly with his fastball and has pinpoint control, had a strong 2.83 ERA over 76 relief outings this year after posting a 2.08 ERA in 2025. If Morejon declines the offer, as expected, and signs elsewhere, the Padres would receive a compensatory draft pick. The Padres will have one of the better bullpens in baseball again in 2027, even if Morejon does not return, but they are definitely interested in a reunion. Morejon also expressed a desire to return at the end of the season. "Everybody knows that," Morejon said of his desire to return. "My agent knows that. It's not really in my hands right now." Morejon could have a chance to be a full-time closer if he tests the market, though, but in San Diego, he would remain a late-inning setup man in front of Mason Miller.
Source: New York Post - Joel Sherman
Source: New York Post - Joel Sherman
Padres Decline Nick Pivetta's 2027 Option
The San Diego Padres declined the $14 million 2027 option on right-hander Nick Pivetta's contract on Saturday, making him a free agent, according to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune. After a breakout 2025 campaign in his first season in San Diego, Pivetta injured his right forearm/elbow early on in 2026 and ended up making only eight starts (34 2/3 innings) during the regular season in his 10th year in the big leagues. Pivetta was strong when available to the Friars, though, going 3-2 with a 2.86 ERA (2.21 FIP), 1.01 WHIP, and 42:8 K:BB. In his two postseason starts versus the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers, Pivetta gave up three earned runs on eight hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out eight in 7 2/3 innings. The Padres may have declined Pivetta's 2027 option, but they should be very interested in signing him to a lesser deal coming off his injury, especially since right-hander Michael King is now on the open market. Acee writes that there is still some concern about Pivetta's elbow, but the Padres could work out a deal that protects the team if he gets hurt again while also rewarding Pivetta if he stays healthy.
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
Michael King Declines his Player Option
San Diego Padres star right-hander Michael King declined his $28 million player option for the 2027 season on Thursday and will be a free agent this offseason, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. King will be one of the most coveted players on the open market this winter as a true ace when he is healthy. The 31-year-old veteran bounced back from injury in 2026 to go 12-10 for the Friars with a 3.21 ERA (4.13 FIP) and 1.18 WHIP with 159 strikeouts and 70 walks in 185 innings across his 32 starts in his eighth year in the big leagues. King's first year in San Diego in 2024 was his best since leaving the New York Yankees, going 13-9 with a 2.95 ERA (3.33 FIP), 1.19 WHIP, and a career-high 201 strikeouts in 173 2/3 innings pitched across 31 outings (30 starts). After declining his option for next season, King will receive a $5 million buyout as he searches for a more lucrative multi-year deal on the open market. The Padres will surely have interest in bringing him back, but King could price himself out of the Padres' budget.
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Yu Darvish Still Rehabbing, No Clarity on his Future
San Diego Padres general manager AJ Preller said that veteran right-hander Yu Darvish (elbow) is still doing his rehab, but there is no clarity yet on what the future holds for him, according to Marty Caswell of Foul Territory. "He's been doing the work to at least give himself the option," Preller said. The 40-year-old veteran had internal-brace surgery on his right elbow in October of 2025 and did not pitch at all for the Padres in 2026. However, he did throw off a mound a few times during his rehab, most recently in late August. Depending on how he fares with the rest of his rehab, there is a chance that Darvish decides to continue his playing career. If he does, he will be extremely hard to rely on, especially from a health perspective. Darvish has two years and $30 million remaining on his contract with San Diego. The Japanese superstar and five-time All-Star has made only 31 appearances for the Friars since the start of 2024, and he had an ERA over 5.00 with 68 strikeouts and 19 walks in 72 innings across 15 starts in his last season in 2025.
Source: Foul Territory - Marty Caswell
Source: Foul Territory - Marty Caswell
Fernando Tatis Jr. Prefers Playing Second Base to Right Field
San Diego Padres outfielder/second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. is known to prefer playing second base, per Dennis Lin of The Athletic. Tatis Jr. had only very briefly played second base in the big leagues prior to 2026. However, he played over 50 games at the position this past season after Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth missed extended time due to a concussion. For what it's worth, Tatis Jr. was significantly better at the plate after shifting back to his normal position in right field in the second half of the season. Still, the 27-year-old will likely remain an elite fantasy asset regardless of where he lines up defensively, and could have more value to managers if he retains second base eligibility beyond 2027. Cronenworth still has four years and over $49 million remaining on his current contract with San Diego, which may block Tatis Jr. from a full-time move to the infield.
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Adrian Morejon in Line for Massive Contract in Free Agency?
San Diego Padres left-hander Adrian Morejon is "poised to attract offers exceeding the four-year, $72 million deal" that fellow lefty reliever Tanner Scott signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2025 offseason, per Dennis Lin of The Athletic. Morejon was one of the best bullpen arms in baseball in 2026, recording a 9-3 record with a 2.83 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 107 strikeouts, 28 holds, and three saves across 86 innings (76 games). The 27-year-old averaged a career-high 99.1 miles per hour on his fastball and posted an excellent 30.4% strikeout rate. Morejon has primarily worked as a setup man to this point in his career. However, he has the stuff to potentially shift into being a closer, depending on where he ends up in free agency this winter.
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Joe Musgrove's 2027 Role in San Diego is Uncertain
San Diego Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller did not commit to right-hander Joe Musgrove being a part of the team's starting rotation in 2027 when asked on Wednesday, saying that "the best spot for Joe Musgrove" will be "one of the questions for the offseason." Musgrove has not pitched in the regular season since 2024 due to persistent elbow issues. However, the 33-year-old managed to return to the mound in the 2026 postseason, making two appearances and pitching three innings. Musgrove was an effective pitcher in 2024, recording a 6-5 record with a 3.88 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 101 strikeouts across 99 2/3 innings (19 starts). He also has one season remaining on the five-year, $100 million contract he signed with the Padres ahead of the 2023 season. Still, it appears as though San Diego may be open to using Musgrove out of the bullpen in an effort to keep him healthy in 2027.
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Nick Pivetta May Not Be a Lock to Return to San Diego in 2027
San Diego Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta's $14 million team option for the 2027 season "would be risky (for the team) to exercise," per Dennis Lin of The Athletic. When healthy, the production Pivetta provides is worth well more than $14 million. Across 181 2/3 innings (31 starts) in 2025, the 33-year-old recorded a 13-5 record with a 2.87 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 190 strikeouts. However, Pivetta made just eight starts in 2026 due to issues with elbow inflammation and forearm tightness. While the veteran was able to make it back for the end of the regular season and San Diego's brief playoff run, injury concerns could cloud his outlook heading into 2027.
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Ty France Likely to Return to Padres in Free Agency?
San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France "seems most likely" of the team's key impending free agents to return in 2027, per Dennis Lin of The Athletic. France was an unlikely hero for San Diego in 2026 after signing a minor league deal last offseason, hitting .295/.363/.502 with 21 home runs, 72 RBI, 59 runs scored, and one stolen base across 500 plate appearances. The 32-year-old posted a 9.1% barrel rate and 47.2% hard-hit rate, both of which represented career highs. France is also widely considered to be one of the better defensive first basemen in MLB. Still, the veteran's age and lack of a proven track record as a high-level contributor could hold down his free agent market. San Diego will likely be facing significant payroll constraints this winter, so bringing back France at a reasonable price could be a priority.
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Mason Miller Back From the Paternity List for Game 4
The San Diego Padres announced on Wednesday that they returned right-handed closer Mason Miller from the paternity list, taking the place on the National League Division Series roster of left-handed reliever Wandy Peralta. Miller blew a two-inning save in Game 2 of the series in Milwaukee against the Brewers and was then unavailable for the win in Game 3 at Petco Park on Tuesday night. It is great news for the Padres, who did not have left-handed high-leverage reliever Adrian Morejon on Tuesday due to a left-shoulder issue. The Padres had to go to Game 1 starter, right-hander Michael King, for the two-inning save with both Miller and Morejon unavailable. It is uncertain if Morejon will be able to pitch late in the game in another must-win contest on Wednesday in Game 4, but the Padres will at least have their stud closer back in the fold. The two-time All-Star was lights-out during the regular season, his first full season with the Friars, posting a 1.67 ERA (1.17 FIP), 0.900 WHIP, a career-high and league-high 38 saves, a career-high 129 strikeouts, and 26 walks in just 70 innings pitched. With their season on the line, expect manager Craig Stammen to be aggressive in his usage of Miller if Game 4 is close in the later innings, even though he showed command issues in the ninth on Sunday in Milwaukee.
Source: San Diego Padres
Source: San Diego Padres
Walker Buehler to Start Game 4 of NLDS Against Brewers
The San Diego Padres announced that veteran right-hander Walker Buehler will make the start in Game 4 of the National League Division Series on Wednesday night at Petco Park against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers. Buehler will make his first postseason appearance this year after going 9-6 with a 4.63 ERA (4.51 FIP) and 1.35 WHIP with 131 strikeouts and 57 walks in 153 2/3 innings pitched across his 32 starts for the Padres in his first season with the team. The 32-year-old is no longer the high-end ace that he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he does have plenty of postseason experience, posting a 3.04 ERA (3.21 FIP) with 114 strikeouts and 36 walks in 94 2/3 innings pitched. Buehler's last start came on Sept. 26 against the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks, when he allowed four runs (three earned) with a walk and three strikeouts in just 3 2/3 innings for a no-decision. He picked up a win in his only outing against Milwaukee in 2026, giving up just one earned run with two walks and five strikeouts in six innings at Petco Park back on Aug. 11. Buehler will most definitely be on a short leash in a must-win game for San Diego if he is not on his game early on.
Source: Padres PR
Source: Padres PR
Adrian Morejon Dealing With "Stickiness in his Shoulder"
San Diego Padres left-handed reliever Adrian Morejon (shoulder) was unavailable in Game 3 of the National League Division Series at Petco Park on Tuesday night against the Milwaukee Brewers due to "stickiness in his shoulder," manager Craig Stammen told AJ Cassavell of MLB.com. There is still a chance that Morejon will be available for Game 4 against the Brewers in San Diego on Wednesday night as the Friars attempt to force a Game 5 back in Milwaukee on Friday night. With Morejon unavailable and closer Mason Miller on the paternity list, the Padres' bullpen was very short on Tuesday night, but Game 1 starter Michael King came to the rescue and threw the final two innings for SD to pick up a save in the 4-3 victory. Morejon has already had two two-inning appearances in this postseason, once in the Wild-Card Series against the Chicago Cubs and again on Saturday against the Brewers in Game of the NLDS, when he allowed the game-winning home run to catcher William Contreras. The hard-throwing Cuban left-hander was one of the most effective late-inning setup men during the regular season, though, going 9-3 with a 2.83 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, three saves, and a career-high 107 strikeouts in just 86 innings out of the bullpen. With Miller unlikely to be back with the team on Wednesday, the Padres could really use Morejon's left arm on Wednesday evening.
Source: MLB.com - AJ Cassavell
Source: MLB.com - AJ Cassavell
Mason Miller Placed on Paternity List Ahead of NLDS Game 3
San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller has been placed on the paternity list and will not be available for his team's matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Tuesday, per Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Miller blew a save opportunity in San Diego's Game 2 loss to the Brewers, allowing a walk-off, two-run single to Milwaukee outfielder Jackson Chourio. Still, the hard-throwing right-hander was one of the best relievers in baseball in the regular season. Across 70 innings (66 games), Miller pitched to a 1.67 ERA and 0.90 WHIP with 129 strikeouts and 38 saves. Without Miller, San Diego left-hander Adrian Morejon could be the next man up in the ninth inning for the Padres.
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
Gavin Sheets Scratched From Game 3 Lineup With Neck Stiffness
The San Diego Padres announced that outfielder/first baseman Gavin Sheets (neck) was scratched from the Game 3 lineup on Tuesday in the National League Division Series against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers due to neck stiffness. Sheets will be available off the bench, though, so he should be considered day-to-day. Outfielder Samad Taylor is now serving as the designated hitter and will bat eighth in the order against Brewers right-hander Dustin May. Sheets hit 17 homers (two shy of his career high) in 125 regular-season games but missed all of September while on the injured list with a foot injury. The 30-year-old veteran left-handed slugger has played in only two games so far in the postseason for San Diego, but he did have a big two-run home run in Game 2 of the Wild-Card Series against the Chicago Cubs. Since the start of July, Sheets has hit just two home runs, so he has really struggled to tap into his power from the left side in the second half of the season.
Source: San Diego Padres
Source: San Diego Padres
Michael King Pitches Well in His Team's Losing Effort on Sunday
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King did his part in Game 2 of the National League Division Series on Sunday, allowing just three hits and one earned run while striking out six across five innings of work against the Milwaukee Brewers. King left the game with the Padres holding the lead, but Milwaukee mounted a late comeback to win the game 4-3 and take a 2-0 lead in the series. The 31-year-old was San Diego's top starting pitcher during the regular season, recording a 12-10 record with a 3.21 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 159 strikeouts across 185 innings (32 starts). King has been excellent across two starts so far in the postseason, allowing just four hits and one earned run while recording 14 strikeouts across 12 innings of work. If the Padres can win the next two games of the series against Milwaukee, King could potentially pitch on three days' rest in a theoretical Game 5.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
