Estrada's 2026 Injury-Plagued Season Raises Durability Red Flags
The Padres reliever made only 31 innings across three IL stints, lost 2 mph on his fastball, and missed the postseason entirely due to a shoulder impingement.
Jeremiah Estrada was limited to 31 regular-season innings in 2026 after three separate IL stints covering elbow tendinitis, knee inflammation, and a shoulder impingement. The shoulder injury ended his season in late August and kept him out of San Diego's playoff run. His average fastball velocity dropped from 97.9 mph in 2025 to 95.9 mph, and his walk rate climbed from 9% to 12.7%. The injury history includes a prior Tommy John surgery during his minor league tenure with the Cubs.
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Pivetta's Flexor Strain Cost Him Most of 2026 Season
The Padres righty logged just 42.1 innings in 2026 due to a flexor strain, reshaping his contract structure heading into the offseason.
Michael King open to returning to Padres after career-best 2026 season
King expressed interest in staying in San Diego after the Padres' NLDS exit, but a $28MM player option for 2027 and a potential opt-out make his offseason decision the club's most consequential.
Ty France and Padres have mutual interest in reunion after career-best 2026 season
France, heading to free agency after a .295/.363/.502 campaign, reportedly wants to stay in San Diego — and per Connor Byrne of MLB Trade Rumors, the Padres feel the same way.
Padres' new owners face payroll test after playoff elimination
San Diego's payroll has declined each year since Peter Seidler died, but new ownership has pledged to spend what it takes to contend.