Reported by MLB Trade Rumors
The Padres find themselves in a familiar spot. They just wrapped another season that was good but not good enough. They have a decent roster but a huge chunk of the payroll is tied up in the core while the rotation has a number of holes.
The Padres had a flat 48-48 record in the first half. They got hot at a good time, going 43-23 in the second half. That got them the top Wild Card spot in the National League. They quickly ran through the Cubs but then got flattened by the Brewers.
For 2027, the goal will be to get back to the postseason once again. There’s some turnover on the position player side but a lot of the lineup will be returning. The bullpen could lose a few guys to free agency but still should be in decent shape. The primary focus will be on the rotation, which has been the case for a few years now.
Walker Buehler , Robbie Ray and Casey Mize are headed to free agency. Griffin Canning and Lucas Giolito should be considered impending free agents as well, even though their deals contain mutual options. It’s been over a decade since a mutual option was picked up by both sides. They are just accounting measures to kick some of the payment to the end of the season as a de facto deferral. Michael King has an opt-out he will surely take. The Padres will have to decide on a club option for Nick Pivetta .
