The San Diego Padres are already deep into the offseason chase, and 11 free agents have now been specifically identified as players the club has checked in on, according to a team insider. Most of the names are starting pitchers, which fits a clear need for San Diego, but the list also includes position players as the Padres look for answers in the lineup.
That search comes with a bigger backdrop: the Padres are expected to keep exploring both free agency and trade possibilities as the winter unfolds. One of the more intriguing names tied to that effort is a left-handed outfielder mentioned as a trade target to help address the team’s outfield issues.
There’s also fresh word on Yu Darvish, whose future remains unresolved after he was last seen on a major league mound in October 2025. Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that a 2027 return is still on the table, though retirement has not been taken off it either.
"Retirement remains a possibility, but by multiple accounts from people who are familiar with his thinking, Darvish wants to pitch," Acee wrote. "Those same people said Darvish’s arm and body feel better most days than they have in many years after a season of being able to rehab at his own pace. The decision regarding whether he pitches in 2027 is said to reside largely with his family."
The Padres also got a pair of major individual honors on Wednesday. Mason Miller won the National League Reliever of the Year award after posting a 1.67 ERA across a career-high 70 innings, and he was also named to the All-MLB First Team as a reliever. Fernando Tatis Jr. joined him on the First Team, earning the recognition for the third time in his career.
"25 HR | 38 SB | .828 OPS@Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. earns All-MLB First Team honors for the third time in his career! pic.twitter.com/4Lgk1tWzf4"
Another important bullpen note centers on Adrian Morejon, who finished fourth in the NL Reliever of the Year voting. He is drawing attention in free agency and is expected to command a major deal, but the report also says San Diego should not be ruled out as a possibility for him this winter. Morejon has been a key piece of the Padres bullpen over the past few years, and his preference for next season is now part of the conversation.
"Here’s the latest on Yu Darvish's plans for the 2027 season, and how it pertains to the Padres👀⬇️ pic.twitter.com/mA6WlsUVBG"
"Mason Miller and Fernando Tatis Jr. have been named to the All-MLB First Team! pic.twitter.com/DHTa9DEqKa"
"How serious are the Padres about Tarik Skubal? I asked his agent Scott Boras, who kind of gave me a Preller answer.@FriarTerritory pic.twitter.com/vyPG6BEuJB"
"The Padres are legitimately going all-in, says @JimBowdenGM."AJ Preller literally is everywhere. He's meeting with agents, meeting with teams." pic.twitter.com/Yr415ARqV3"
"This one is pretty special 🥹 pic.twitter.com/L7gDmuBlAA"
In Other News...
Padres Outfield Fix Could Trigger A Bigger Fernando Tatis Jr. Shakeup
The Padres are heading into an offseason where the roster fit may matter as much as the talent itself. San Diego is looking at ways to patch both the outfield and the infield, and the Phillies have emerged as a possible trade partner in that search, with Brandon Marsh and Trea Turner among the names that could be in play.
What makes the situation especially interesting is the ripple effect a move like that could create. If the Padres land a corner outfielder, it could open the door for Fernando Tatis Jr. to shift to second base, while Jake Cronenworth could become a trade candidate as the club tries to reshape the middle of the diamond around its new priorities. [Read more 🡒]
Padres Got An Encouraging Early Sign On Craig Stammen
Craig Stammens first season in charge of the Padres brought a notable bit of recognition, even if it came well after the final out. He finished fourth in National League Manager of the Year voting for 2026, collecting two first-place votes and 24 total points in a race won by Milwaukees Pat Murphy for the third straight season.
For San Diego, it is an encouraging early marker for a manager who had just taken over from Mike Shildt and stepped into one of the leagues more demanding jobs. Awards voting does not change the standings, but it does suggest Stammen made an impression around the league in his first year guiding the Padres. [Read more 🡒]
Padres Interest In Shota Imanaga Comes With One Clear Concern
Shota Imanaga has emerged as a possible free-agent fit for the Padres, and the appeal is easy to see. He gave the Cubs 174 1/3 innings in 2026 with a 3.77 ERA, the kind of workload and production that can stabilize a rotation, especially for a club that values pitching depth as much as San Diego does.
The concern is just as obvious, though, because the home run total was a problem and it is the sort of flaw that can travel with a pitcher if it is not addressed. Still, there is optimism that Padres pitching coach Ruben Niebla could help sharpen Imanagas pitch mix and make him more effective, particularly as games move deeper and hitters get a second and third look. [Read more 🡒]