By @VisualTejeda – FriarPulse
Published November 21, 2025 — 11:26 PM (PST) — Carlsbad, California
In one of the key offseason checkpoints, the San Diego Padres finalized their decisions ahead of MLB’s league-wide tender deadline on November 21. The club elected to tender contracts to all six of their arbitration-eligible players while non-tendering two pitchers, creating additional roster flexibility as the organization continues shaping its 2026 roster under manager Craig Stammen.
All Six Arbitration-Eligible Players Tendered
San Diego opted for continuity, tendering contracts to the following players:
- Jason Adam — RHP
- Mason Miller — RHP
- Adrian Morejón — LHP
- JP Sears — LHP
- Freddy Fermín — C
- Gavin Sheets — 1B/OF
The decisions reflect the front office’s trust in the group’s projected value, especially on the pitching side. Miller and Adam are expected to remain key bullpen contributors, while Sears and Morejón offer rotation depth and left-handed balance. Sheets provides left-handed pop and position versatility, and Fermín profiles as an important depth catcher behind Luis Campusano.
Additionally, the Padres reached a one-year agreement with Luis Campusano for the 2026 season, avoiding arbitration entirely. The deal reinforces the club’s long-term stability at the catcher position.
Padres Non-Tender Two Relievers
The club non-tendered left-hander Omar Cruz and right-hander Sean Reynolds, making both pitchers free agents. While both had shown flashes of potential in the minors, neither had secured a clear path to a major-league role amidst the organization’s ongoing bullpen restructuring.
The moves open up two 40-man roster spots, giving the Padres additional room to maneuver as free agency and trade talks intensify.
What the Decisions Signal About the Padres’ Offseason Plan
The uniform set of tenders indicates that the Padres view this group as part of their competitive core heading into 2026. The front office has emphasized internal consistency and cost-controlled pitching — both themes reflected in Thursday’s decisions.
The tendered pitchers represent a blend of high-velocity arms, left-handed depth, and projectable upside. With Stammen now at the helm, these players are expected to play meaningful roles across the staff.
Maintaining Sheets and Fermín further signals an emphasis on roster depth, matchup flexibility, and positional coverage — critical components for a franchise navigating a competitive NL West landscape.
What Comes Next
The non-tender deadline typically leads to a secondary wave of free-agent signings across the league. With two roster spots cleared and arbitration numbers set, the Padres are positioned to explore upgrades on the margins, add bullpen help, or pursue trade opportunities.
San Diego’s next major offseason markers will include potential arbitration settlements, Rule 5 Draft preparations, and further roster moves as the market develops.
FriarPulse 