7 Padres players who could be gone before Opening Day 2027

The Padres have enough familiar faces under contract to make next season’s roster look settled. But we should know that’s far from the truth. A.J. Preller has several ways to rearrange the team before Opening Day 2027. Some players will leave on their own. Others could become trade pieces or casualties of decisions about salary and playing time.

These seven belong in that conversation. However, to be fair, nobody needs to start packing yet.

Padres face contract, trade and roster decisions with these seven players

1. Michael King

King delivered a 3.21 ERA across 185 innings in 2026, then allowed one earned run in 14 postseason innings. He has real reasons to exercise his opt-out. His $28 million player option for 2027 includes a $5 million buyout should he leave.

We can appreciate the creativity that brought King back while acknowledging the catch: San Diego could have to compete for its own frontline starter again. An opt-out would open negotiations, not automatically close the door on a reunion.

2. Yuki Matsui

Matsui posted a 1.83 ERA with 68 strikeouts in 64 innings in 2026. He can opt out of the remaining two years and $13.5 million this winter.

That performance gives him a reason to explore his options. For the Padres, losing him would create another bullpen assignment on Preller’s winter to-do list. We shouldn’t confuse having money allocated to Matsui with having his decision in hand.

3. Jake Cronenworth

Cronenworth dealt with a concussion for much of the 2026 season. He hit .225 with seven homers and a .629 OPS in 2026. With his contract running through 2030, the Padres may visit trade discussions.

The complication is obvious: other teams can read the numbers, too. A trade would require a workable return and financial arrangement. We should judge any deal by the resulting lineup. A smaller payroll won’t drive anybody home.

4. Xander Bogaerts

Bogaerts finished 2026 with a .231 average, 13 homers and a .676 OPS. That explains the desire to reconsider his place in the long-term payroll. He also has a full no-trade clause which explains why moving him would be difficult.

He’s a real long shot. Hypothetical packages involving Mason Miller deserve particular scrutiny: attaching an elite closer would carry a substantial baseball cost. Financial relief shouldn’t earn Preller a victory if he moves Bogaerts. But it’ll be difficult to pull off if he doesn’t sweeten the pot.

5. JP Sears

Sears recorded a 4.68 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 32 2/3 major-league innings in 2026. He’s projected $2.9 million in arbitration. That makes him a legitimate roster decision. The Padres need pitching depth, but they also need confidence in the pitchers occupying those spots. A trade or non-tender could become reasonable if Preller finds better options. Keeping him would be understandable, too.

6. Bryan Hoeing

Hoeing made seven appearances in 2025, then missed 2026 following flexor-tendon surgery. That limited availability is the concern. His projected salary is near the league minimum, so cutting him would offer little financial relief.

We’re looking at a medical and roster-space decision. If the recovery outlook supports a useful role, keeping him is an inexpensive bet.

7. Luis Campusano

Campusano hit .265 with eight homers and a .796 OPS in 215 at-bats in 2026. He had a solid season all things considered. With Ethan Salas also competing for more reps alongside Freddy Fermin, Campusano is the most logical trade trip. The Padres also have every reason to keep him.

If San Diego chooses another catching arrangement, Campusano could help address a need elsewhere. We’ve discussed his potential for years. This winter could come down to how much playing time the Padres actually intend to give him.

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