Yu Darvish has decided not to play for the Padres in 2026 and will not receive his salary for the season. The 39-year-old right-handed pitcher will miss the entire 2026 campaign as he recovers from elbow surgery. San Diego plans to place Darvish on the restricted list, a designation for players under contract who cannot play due to injuries or other reasons. This move will free up a significant portion of the team’s salary cap, allowing general manager A.J. Preller to allocate funds to address other roster needs. The restricted list allows the Padres to retain Darvish’s rights without paying him during his absence. By forfeiting his $16 million salary for 2026, Darvish is effectively helping the team manage its payroll. The Padres’ projected 2026 payroll was around $255 million, ranking eighth in Major League Baseball. With Darvish’s salary removed, the team gains flexibility to pursue free-agent additions, particularly in the starting rotation. The Padres’ rotation is currently undermanned, and they are linked to free-agent righty Lucas Giolito, a top-tier pitcher available on the market. Giolito, who pitched for the Red Sox in 2025, posted a 3.41 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 121 strikeouts in 145 innings. His previous elbow surgery in 2024 limited him to just 10 starts that season, and he will be sidelined for 2026 as well. The Padres’ pursuit of Giolito could be accelerated by the financial relief provided by Darvish’s decision. Darvish’s decision to sit out 2026 is not a retirement move. He has not indicated plans to end his career, though his 2025 season was hampered by elbow issues. In 2024, he made 15 starts for the Padres, posting a 7–3 record and a 3.31 ERA. His 2025 campaign was more challenging, with a 5–5 record and a 5.38 ERA.#a_j_preller #yu_darvish #lucas_giolito #san_diego #padres
Padres Hit Jackpot With Under-The-Radar Offseason Additions The San Diego Padres secured two unexpected spring additions in Walker Buehler and Ty France, both of whom have earned spots on the team’s Opening Day roster. These signings highlight the strategic acumen of President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller, who has built a reputation for identifying undervalued talent. While Preller’s high-profile trades, such as acquiring Juan Soto and Blake Snell, often dominate headlines, his ability to craft impactful deals with overlooked players has proven equally vital. Buehler and France exemplify this approach, as their contributions this spring have solidified their roles in the Padres’ 2026 season. Walker Buehler, a right-handed pitcher, signed a minor league deal with the Padres after being released by the Boston Red Sox in August 2025. During his time with the Red Sox, Buehler posted a 5.45 ERA, which led to his release. However, he rebounded by joining the Philadelphia Phillies for the remainder of the season, where he delivered a 0.66 ERA across 13.2 innings. Despite his strong performance, Buehler did not make the Phillies’ postseason roster. In free agency, he received big league offers but chose the Padres’ minor league deal instead. This decision paid off, as Buehler has since made a strong case for his place in the Padres’ starting rotation. During spring training, Buehler showcased his potential by striking out 16 batters in 15 innings. His standout performance came in a five-inning shutout against the San Francisco Giants, which bolstered confidence in his ability to contribute immediately. Manager Craig Stammen praised Buehler’s adaptability to the Padres’ philosophy, noting that the pitcher’s quick buy-in and recent success made the team feel “really comfortable” about his inclusion.#san_diego_padres #craig_stammen #walker_buehler #ty_france #a_j_preller
