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.

Nick Pivetta was sidelined for the majority of the 2026 season and playoffs due to a flexor strain, pitching only 42.1 total innings. The extended injury altered the terms of his contract, converting his $14MM player option for 2027 into a club option held by San Diego. The Padres are weighing whether to exercise that option or pursue a reworked deal with Pivetta. His health and availability will be a key factor in San Diego's rotation planning this offseason.
More on the Padres wire.

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.

Padres ink Japanese collegiate pitcher Nogami to minor-league deal
San Diego adds 20-year-old Tatsuya Nogami, a strikeout-heavy pitcher from Japan's semi-hardball collegiate ranks, as an international free agent.

Padres Catcher Role Open: Salas, Campusano, Fermin to Compete
San Diego's top prospect Ethan Salas will not be handed the starting job, per GM A.J. Preller, setting up a three-way competition behind the plate.

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.
