The Padres have a few weeks left to make a playoff push, but the bigger questions may come once the season ends. San Diego has several players heading toward free agency decisions, and left-hander Yuki Matsui is one of the most important names in that mix.
Matsui is eligible to opt out of his current deal this offseason. If he stays, he would be set to make $6.5 million in 2027, but his performance this year could put him in position to chase a bigger payday on the open market.
The 30-year-old has been a major weapon out of the bullpen in 2026, working in 44 games and putting up a 1.95 ERA. His work has been a big part of why the Padres have been able to stay in the hunt, and replacing that kind of production would not be easy.
MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand thinks an opt-out is very much in play once the 2026 season ends.
"Matsui ranks in the 97th percentile in both whiff percentage and hard-hit percentage, but he’s among the worst in the league when it comes to walk percentage," Feinsaid wrote. "You could argue that Matsui would be one of the five best lefty relievers on the market, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him opt out."
San Diego already had to decide whether to move him at the trade deadline this year and ultimately kept him. If Matsui does leave in free agency, that choice could loom even larger for the Padres.
Since arriving before the 2024 season, Matsui has given the club a steady presence in relief. This year, though, has been his strongest yet.
He also said earlier in the season that he wanted a bigger role, and injuries around him have helped create that opportunity.
“Right now, I’m taking on obviously a non-leverage multi-inning spot,” Matsui said in May. “But continuing to do well for what I’m giving, then hopefully I will move up and pitch in more important, more leverage situations.”
For the moment, Matsui is focused on helping San Diego reach the postseason and possibly make a run. Still, the possibility of him opting out this offseason is real, and the Padres could be left searching for a key arm in the bullpen.
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