Could Padres Reach Deals With Key Free Agents Soon?
· Yahoo Sports
Sunday, November 1 marks the deadline for teams to decide whether to extend eligible impending free agents a qualifying offer or not. It’s also the time in which free agents are able to begin negotiating with other clubs. Until then, players may only negotiate internally with their own teams to potentially be re-signed. For the San Diego Padres, that represents a realm of possibilities. With several key free agents potentially leaving the club this offseason, the Friars could use this time to lock up some potential departures before they hit the open market. Here are four players who San Diego might reach deals with ahead of Sunday’s deadline.
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Could Padres Reach Deals With Key Free Agents Soon?
1B Ty France
France surged at the plate this season, putting up career-best numbers in batting average (.295), slugging percentage (.502), OPS (.865), and home runs (21). After being drafted by the Padres in 2015, 2026 was a bit of a reunion tour for the slugger. San Diego would certainly like to extend that reunion, for the right price. France is projected to land a three-year, $49.3 million contract. That puts him at a $16.4 million average annual value (AAV), which is maybe a hair outside of San Diego’s comfort range.
Oct 4, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France (25) hits a single during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game two of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn ImagesStill, France truly had a resurgent 2026 campaign. Not re-signing him would be a blunder of epic proportions. If nothing else, France plays near-perfect defense at the cold corner. He was named a Gold Glove finalist a few weeks ago and could win the award over Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson. Regardless, there is a question about whether his incredible offensive production will continue into 2027 and beyond. That might stall a deal between the two sides.
RHP Michael King
This one is the least likely of the bunch. San Diego’s ace declined his $28 million player option on Thursday morning, meaning King is now a full-fledged free agent. He’ll probably test the open market to some extent. King is projected to land a five-year, $118 million deal this offseason after an incredible 2026 campaign (3.21 ERA, 185.0 IP). King’s postseason heroics with San Diego (0.64 ERA, 14.0 IP) make him even more desirable to the Padres and other contenders this offseason.
Oct 6, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King (34) pitches during the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game three of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn ImagesThat said, it’s not impossible that the Padres and King get a deal done. The Friars’ ace hasn’t been quiet about his desire to stay in San Diego. He’s said on multiple occasions that it’s become a second home for him and his family. That could sway his decision-making more than any dollar figure ever would. Regardless, San Diego should do everything that they can to retain the right-hander’s services this offseason.
LHP Yuki Matsui
Matsui remains one of the more interesting free agency cases for San Diego. He has a $6.5 million player option he’s yet to exercise. He’ll have to make a decision before Monday, November 2. It’s possible that Matsui and the Padres could reach a new agreement ahead of then, potentially extending the left-hander beyond his current contract end date of 2028.
Oct 4, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Yuki Matsui (1) delivers a pitch during the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game two of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn ImagesThe southpaw turned in an absolutely incredible 2026 campaign. Across 64 innings of work, Matsui pitched to a 1.83 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP, .171 opponent batting average, and 68 strikeouts. His WHIP was a tick high due to an inability to limit base traffic, but Matsui always proved capable of getting out of jams. Since coming over from Japan ahead of the 2024 season, Matsui has struggled to acclimate to MLB. He seems to have finally found his footing.
LHP Adrian Morejon
One of the longest-tenured Padres in the organization, Morejon has gone from a middling starting pitcher to one of the most elite relief weapons in baseball. The left-hander has posted a sub-3.00 ERA and 70-plus strikeouts in three consecutive seasons. That reached new heights in 2026 (2.83 ERA, 107 SO, 86.0 IP). Morejon struggled with limiting long balls for parts of the season but still managed to put up some otherworldly numbers.
Oct 3, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Adrian Morejon (50) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the seventh inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn ImagesSimilar to King, Morejon has been very outspoken in his desire to remain in San Diego. He’ll be a costly investment to retain, but there’s no reason why the longtime Padre can’t be a Friar for life. Potential contracts have ranged widely, with expectations being anywhere from a three-year $42 million deal to a five-year, $90 million contract. Some analysts have even suggested Morejon may receive up to $100 million this offseason. That’s a lot of dough for a relief pitcher, but it could be worth it for San Diego to retain their dominant setup man.
Main Photo Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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