The last out of the Padres’ season had barely settled over Petco Park on Wednesday night when the clubhouse began to tell its own story. San Diego’s National League Division Series run had ended in a Game 4 defeat, but players lingered deep into the night, talking in a corner of the home room over cold drinks. Later, a few returned to the darkened field with a bucket of baseballs, flipping them into the air and trying to drive them into the seats.
It was a little release after a frustrating series, but it also carried the feel of a farewell. The 2027 Padres will not be an exact repeat of the 2026 club, and several players who became central to this season’s run now face uncertain offseasons. Michael King, Adrian Morejon and Ty France each arrived in San Diego by a different route. All made clear that they would welcome the chance to remain.
King has two years left on his contract, though the choice is his. He can opt out after the World Series, walking away from a $28 million salary for 2027 in exchange for a $5 million buyout; the deal also includes a $30 million salary for 2028 without a buyout. After posting a 3.21 ERA in 32 starts and continuing to deliver in October, the right-hander would enter the market as one of the more appealing available starters if he exercises that option.
For the moment, King was not ready to turn the page. “That’s a future decision,” he said after the loss. “I’m just enjoying the company I’ve got right now.”
San Diego has become more than a stop on King’s career path. The Rhode Island high school product came west after arriving as a major piece of a blockbuster trade, then made the transition from relief work to the rotation and grew into the club’s ace.
“San Diego has been incredible for me, and it’s all the way across the country from home,” King said. “Now I feel like I have a second home on the West Coast. It’s been awesome. And I hope to continue it.”
Morejon’s shoulder concern clouds a strong year
Morejon’s immediate concern was physical. The left-hander was unavailable for the final three games of the NLDS after throwing 31 pitches in the Game 1 loss. He said his right shoulder became sore afterward, and while he played catch before Games 3 and 4, the discomfort did not ease.
Morejon told the staff before Wednesday’s game that he could provide an inning if needed, though perhaps not at his best. The Padres elected not to use him.
It was an unfortunate close to an excellent season for a pitcher who joined the organization as an international signing 10 years ago. Morejon worked a career-high 86 innings out of the bullpen and recorded a 2.83 ERA, serving as a key piece of San Diego’s standout relief group.
“I start thinking of everything for the last 10 years,” Morejon said. “I feel like I’ve grown up in this organization.”
He would like to keep growing there, though he acknowledged that the next call is not his alone. “Everybody knows that,” Morejon said of his wish to return. “My agent knows that. It’s not really in my hands right now.”
France voiced the same attachment to the club. After earning a roster spot following a Minor League signing, he produced a career year and became an important part of the Padres’ offense. Aside from France, much of San Diego’s offensive nucleus is positioned to return, but his own future has not yet been discussed.
“I love this place,” France said. “I don’t really know what the offseason is going to look like or what’s in store. But I’ve said it from the beginning of Spring Training: This is where I wanted to be. My heart’s in San Diego, but I also understand it’s a business. We just haven’t had those conversations yet.”
The pitching staff could see more movement. Walker Buehler and Jason Adam are among the pending free agents, as are Robbie Ray and Casey Mize, the two starters acquired at the Trade Deadline. Adam missed nearly three months with a right shoulder strain and joked that the injuries may have made him “pretty affordable.”
Still, the reliever’s closing thought matched the mood around the room: disappointment over a season ending too soon, paired with a strong pull toward the place where it happened.
“I love it here,” Adam said. “I think it’s the best setup in all of baseball, between the fans, the guys in this clubhouse, the coaching staff, life in San Diego. It’s been a privilege to be here the last few years. I hope there’s many more.”
