Quote from fenn68 on August 19, 2026, 8:14 am

Along the same lines ... have not heard much about Andujar ... last was cast removed but not swinging a bat. With the play of Rengifo and the add of Hays ... not sure the Padres need (or want) to add him back. RHH DH type whereas Rengifo and Hays give defensive options ... and Bowen is plus plus defense, speed for PR.

Quote from fenn68 on August 22, 2026, 8:52 am

Your the GM ... now Pivetta's option is a 2027 CLUB option for $14MM. Knowing that you might only have Musgrove and Vasquez back under contract (good chance King opts out) and a FA SP market is small (and expensive) what do you do with Pivetta.

Keep in mind Pivetta will be 34 next season ... missed most of 2026 with an elbow problem (similar to the elbow issue in 2024 that the Padres considered in this contract design) ... and other that in 2025 he has never had an ERA under 4.00.

1. exercise the $14MM club option given the need is great enough that the risk is worth it?
2. decline the $14MM club option and use that money for a less risky option?
3. try to renegotiate a more team friendly deal (lower base with incentives plus club option for 2028) ... if not let him go.

A lot still depends on the medical evaluation and performance to the end of this season ... given the unknowns surrounding the lockout ... Pivetta should be motivated to re-sign with the Padres with the risk of not finding a home after the lockout and getting Giolito treatment. At the same time, if the Padres assume a long lockout, they would be on the hook for only the portion of the contract covering the part of the year played ... not so much and given the difficulty of finding multiple SP in the short gap between the start of the new CBA and the new season while all teams are trying for the same ... maybe the risk turns into a reasonable insurance premium.

Money is always an issue ... so a priority will be re-signing Morejon, France, maybe Adam plus dealing with Miller getting a massive increase in ARB (unless signed to a longer term deal). Remember Machado and Tatis are also getting massive built in contracted pay increases for next season.

 

Quote from Jeremy Hill on August 22, 2026, 9:53 am

If they think he'll be healthy entering the year I think it becomes a pretty easy decision to exercise the option on Pivetta. Even coming off of what will be a mostly or completely lost season there will be teams out there willing to give him a big money 1 year deal. Just look at Buehler who got 21m from the Red Sox for 2025 coming off of a terrible year. Pivetta had a 5 year run where he was good for 140+ innings before this season. If they think he can get back to that it's an easy call. I think they only decline it if they think his elbow is shot.

Quote from Randy Manese on August 22, 2026, 10:48 am

Team options must be exercised or declined 5 days after the World Series ends, which is usually the first week of November.  The current MLB CBA expires at midnight on 1 December.  New Padres owners have stated they want that parade in San Diego that Peter Seidler dreamed about.  A lot of new money may also be coming in soon from other sources, i.e., media contracts, stadium re-naming rights, etc.

First, let's look at King.  He certainly could opt out, but is he really going to get a huge additional amount playing for another team over an extended period of time.  I think new ownership will try to lock him up by re-negotiating the deal for more years and a little more money than he already is scheduled to receive (28 million in 2027 and 30 million in 2028); my guess is a 5 year contract, beginning in 2027 at 35-37 million a year.  He's not a slam dunk top of the rotation ace on any of the most competitive teams and that amount of money over that period of time for a #2 SP is good money.  I say he re-signs but maybe not before the lockout.

So if King stays, does Pivetta go.  Possibly.  Pivetta's health, money to spread around for other purposes along with potential availability of other pitching targets since we have none ready in our system.  Given our other needs, my guess is that there is less than a 50% chance that the club will exercise its option.  They could possibly try your #3 option, but don't think Pivetta will find that acceptable.  Would Buehler be a better investment at a lower cost?

What if King opts out.  That frees up 28 million dollars to fortify the teaming 2027  in other areas besides pitching.  If that happens and Pivetta is healthy, then it's a no-brainer for me to keep a healthy competitive arm in the rotation at the fairly modest amount of 14 million.  With the 28 million, Preller can possibly get Morejon and one or more of France, Laureano, Rengifo, and another mid to bottom of the rotation SP so it wouldn't be the worst possible outcome.  I don't see us aggressively pursuing Adam, who has become more frail as he has aged; like to have him back but not a priority given other options in the system.

This is going to be an intriguing off-season not only for the Padres but for all of major league baseball.  First, let's get to the playoffs and take it home from there!  Can't wait!

 

Quote from fenn68 on August 26, 2026, 1:42 am

Pivetta goes 47 pitches in a rehab  in Lake Elsinore.

We should hear today (or tomorrow) if he came out of it pain free. If fine maybe two more rehabs to get his pitch count up to maybe 85+/-/

Musgrove looks to do his next rehab on Thursday to set up maybe a Sep 1 activation.

Quote from fenn68 on August 26, 2026, 12:04 pm

Not a 2026 issue BUT Darvish was throwing off the mound yesterday (apparently his second workout) testing recovery from his surgery.

However, it may have some influence on his decision of what he does for 2027. Given the Padres probably need for SP in 2027 ... would not rule out a return at age 40 ... at least a try.

Quote from WindsorUK on August 27, 2026, 6:22 am

https://www.mlb.com/padres/daily-walkoff

Anyone ever played this? I came across it a few days ago.

Really racks the brain for Padre history and knowledge 👍🏽

Quote from fenn68 on August 27, 2026, 9:46 am

Eugenio Suarez .... placed on waivers and could be claimed for the $3MM remaining on his contract (FA after the season) ... should the Padres claim him as a RHH power bat in the playoff run (maybe at the expense of Hays).

Possible 3B replacement for Manny to give him some rest and recovery time from his injury.

Not a great season for Suarez but not a great season for Hays and Manny is just struggling were some down time may help.

Went on waivers on Tuesday ... 48 hour window ... so resolution should come soon.

Quote from MrPadre19 on August 27, 2026, 10:58 am

Quote from fenn68 on August 26, 2026, 12:04 pm

Not a 2026 issue BUT Darvish was throwing off the mound yesterday (apparently his second workout) testing recovery from his surgery.

However, it may have some influence on his decision of what he does for 2027. Given the Padres probably need for SP in 2027 ... would not rule out a return at age 40 ... at least a try.

Clip I saw looked like he was throwing at full strength.

Long man in BP next season?