Jason Adam is heading toward free agency with his preference already on the table: he wants to stay with the San Diego Padres.
The veteran right-hander said after the Padres’ season-ending loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the National League Division Series that San Diego is where he wants to be, and he didn’t hide how much he’s enjoyed his time there.
“I love it here,” Adam told reporters after the Padres' season-ending loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the National League Division Series, according to Padres On SI.
“I think it’s the best setup in all of baseball, between the fans, the guys in this clubhouse, the coaching staff, life in San Diego. It’s been a privilege to be here the last few years.”
Adam also said he hopes the relationship with the organization stretches well beyond this season.
At the same time, he acknowledged that the injury-shortened 2026 campaign may have changed the economics of his free agency.
“I feel like with the injuries, I’ve made myself pretty affordable,” Adam said.
The 35-year-old missed close to three months after a right shoulder strain in early July, then returned to the bullpen on September 23 for the final stretch of the regular season and the postseason.
Even with the long absence, he still put together a solid regular season line: a 2.62 ERA, 22 strikeouts and a 1.17 WHIP across 38 appearances and 34 1/3 innings.
He was also part of the Padres’ October run, working in four postseason games and giving up one earned run over 3 1/3 innings.
The injuries didn’t erase the impact he had in 2025, either. That season, Adam earned his first All-Star nod and delivered one of the steadiest campaigns of his career, posting a 1.93 ERA with 70 strikeouts in 65 appearances.
San Diego got him from the Tampa Bay Rays at the 2024 trade deadline in a deal that sent three prospects, including pitcher Dylan Lesko, to Tampa Bay.
Since then, Adam has become a key piece in a bullpen that also includes closer Mason Miller and fellow All-Star Adrian Morejon.
He’s made his destination clear. The next move belongs to the Padres.
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