Despite some of the same core pieces, the 2026 San Diego Padres will look different from 2025. This is primarily due to players leaving in free agency. Dylan Cease, who made 32 regular-season starts and 1 postseason start, signed a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. All-Star first baseman Luis Arraez signed a one-year, $12 million contract with the NL West rival Giants, and All-Star closer Robert Suarez signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the Atlanta Braves.
However, despite not bringing in any high-priced free agents from other organizations, the Padres did make their fair share of moves. They added former All-Star power bat Nick Castellanos on a minimum deal. Although perhaps their biggest addition to the 2026 roster is an All-Star who was already on the team, but did not make an appearance in the 2025 season.
San Diego Padres Get Good News on Joe Musgrove
Padres starting pitcher Joe Musgrove missed the entire 2025 season as he underwent Tommy John surgery after an injury to his elbow during the 2024 playoffs. Musgrove intended to return to the 2025 Padres had they advanced deeper into the playoffs, as he wanted to pitch at least an inning during the season. With the team eliminated during the Wild Card round, Musgrove did not get that opportunity.
The good news is that Musgrove is now healthy and ready for the season. The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Kevin Acee reported that Musgrove was “sharp” in a simulated game. Musgrove recorded nine outs during the simulated game and reached 95 mph on his fastball, according to Acee.
Musgrove then said, “Curveballs felt good. Working on that new slider still. There were some good ones, a little inconsistent, but saw the shapes I wanted. … I’m coming out of this feeling the best I have felt.” Musgrove also added that he believed his next start would be in a Cactus League game. He said, “It’s kind of all day-to-day. So I’ll probably be slated to be in the game over there, and then if things change or I feel like something is not right, and then we’ll push it back.”
Joe Musgrove’s Usage
Regarding his usage heading into the season, Padres pitching coach Ruben Niebla said, “Full-go but watch him.”
Musgrove has not thrown over 100 innings since his All-Star season in 2022. During his last season in 2024, he battled injuries and struggled at times. He posted a 6.14 ERA in his first nine starts. However, he finished the year strong as he posted a 2.35 ERA and 2.45 FIP in his last eight games. That resulted in Musgrove starting Game 2 of the 2024 Wild Card Series against the Braves. Unfortunately, that was the game in which he sustained his season-ending elbow injury.
A return to form by Musgrove during the 2026 season would provide the rotation a much-needed boost. Additionally, the team will also be counting on pitcher Michael King, who also had injury issues in the 2025 season. Fortunately for the Padres, King also recently received some encouraging news as his first bullpen and spring training action went well.
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