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
