San Diego

Padres

What better way for a new ownership group to make an immediate splash than by signing the most accomplished starting pitcher to hit the open market in recent memory. Morosi previously reported that San Diego was among the most active teams this offseason in pursuing starting pitching upgrades. They have multiple spots to fill with Michael King, Casey Mize, Nick Pivetta, Robbie Ray and Walker Buehler all currently free agents. It’s worth noting that The New York Post’s Jon Heyman told MLB Network earlier on Monday that the Mets are “probably the favorite” to sign Skubal. All indications are that the 29-year-old two-time Cy Young Award winner will choose his next destination before the lockout commences on December 1.

Gutierrez finished last season on the doorstep of the majors and will be shielded from selection in the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. The 23-year-old southpaw made a couple starts at the Triple-A level after compiling an encouraging 4.19 ERA and 22/7 K/BB ratio across 19 1/3 innings for Double-A San Antonio.

There’s a chance they’re re-naming this trophy after Miller when his career is over. The hard-throwing 28-year-old posted a career-best 1.67 ERA and 129/26 K/BB ratio over 70 innings of work while converting 38 saves this past season. Duran turned in arguably the best performance of his career last year with a pristine 1.82 ERA across 59 1/3 innings. He also picked up 33 saves in the process. Megill tossed a career-high 61 2/3 innings and topped 30 saves for the second straight season.

It’s an extremely manageable financial commitment for San Diego as Hart will continue to function as a long relief option. The 33-year-old southpaw posted a serviceable 4.92 ERA across 64 innings this past season.

Morejon is one of the most compelling free agents to hit the open market this offseason after establishing himself as one of the premier high-leverage arms in the game. The odds that he accepts the qualifying offer are virtually nonexistent. The soon-to-be 28-year-old southpaw has posted a sparkling 2.58 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 248/66 K/BB ratio across 223 1/3 innings over the last three seasons. He could generate interest as a closing option for a contender, though the success of recent reliever-to-starter converts like Michael King, Clay Holmes, Seth Lugo and Griffin Jax figures to spark conversations around the league about his potential as a rotation option. His fantasy appeal will rise exponentially in either role, as a departure from San Diego should give him a legitimate opportunity in either direction.

The Padres obviously weren’t picking up their half of Andujar’s $8 million option, and he was getting a $2.5 million buyout either way. Initially the Padres’ top option at DH, Andujar wound up missing most of the final 3 1/2 months with a hamstring strain and then a wrist fracture. He did return for the postseason, going 0-for-3 with a walk off the bench. He hit .259/.303/.423 in 74 games while healthy. It’s possible he’ll get a major league deal as a platoon starter against lefties.

A late addition as he tried to overcome his late-season elbow issue with the Red Sox in 2025, Giolito signed a one-year, $3 million deal with an $8 million mutual option in late April. With his velocity down 2-3 mph, he pitched a total of seven times for the Padres in the first half, amassing a 5.16 ERA and an ugly 18/23 K/BB in 29 2/3 innings. He then went on the IL with elbow inflammation and never returned, leaving his future very uncertain.

Canning gets a $1.5 million buyout of the $5 million option. He had a 5.68 ERA in 11 starts and 19 relief appearances for the Padres after returning from a torn Achilles’ tendon he suffered with the Mets in 2025.

It’s an interesting decision as Matsui is only set to make $6.5 million in 2027 after a remarkable season in which he posted a 1.83 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and a 68/36 K/BB ratio over 64 innings in 54 appearances out of the Padres’ bullpen. He’ll once again function as part of the Padres’ setup corps in front of dominant closer Mason Miller.

The 33-year-old hurler made 46 appearances for the Padres during the 2026 campaign, compiling a 4.92 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and a 59/26 K/BB ratio over 64 innings of work. He’s likely to once again operate in a swingman role for the Padres in 2027 at a very affordable rate.