Padres announce beloved announcer Don Orsillo is here to stay with contract extension

The San Diego Padres have sprung to action in the remaining days before spring training games begin, bringing in numerous new players, restructuring the ownership group, and now, negotiating a contract extension with a voice loved by Padres fans. Don Orsillo, the Padres play-by-play man, announced on Tuesday he signed a long term extension to remain in San Diego.

I am pleased to announce a longterm extension signing with the @Padres. I would like to thank the Padres fans and the SD community for being so very kind. I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Erik Greupner who made all of this possible and for his leadership. pic.twitter.com/2xMlgPxHTf
— Don Orsillo (@DonOrsillo) February 18, 2025

Orsillo joined the Padres in 2016, replacing the legendary announcer Dick Enberg after his retirement, who would sadly pass away just one year later. After spending 15 years in Boston as the Red Sox play-by-play announcer, Orsillo made it clear with his extension that his heart lies with the Padres.

Padres ownership wants Orsillo to finish career in San Diego

Erik Greupner, current CEO of the Padres, said in an interview at spring training on Tuesday that the team expects Orsillo to finish his career in San Diego. Announcing alongside Mark Grant since his arrival, Orsillo has quickly become a favorite of Padres fans with his goofy one liners and fantastic chemistry with his broadcasting partner.

Erik Greupner was asked about the status of Don Orsillo's contract and announces that they've reached a new deal with him.

"Our hope and expectation is that he's going to continue to be the voice of the Padres. We'd like to see him end his career here in San Diego." pic.twitter.com/V75BgrM0l0
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) February 18, 2025

Orsillo had a disappointing and somewhat rude end to his career in Boston, one that may have influenced his decision to stay and overall love for San Diego. After 15 years with the Red Sox, Orsillo was abruptly let go before the start of the 2015 season, a decision that upset many Red Sox fans. His exclusion from a Red Sox memorial for former broadcasting partner Jerry Remy, and the fact the team did not include a video tribute he made for Remy, further soured relations.

A long time MLB announcer as well, Orsillo has worked with TBS, FS1, and spent time as part of the FS1 postseason broadcasting team. Padres fans may remember hearing his voice even before he was a San Diego announcer, when he called the 2007 National League Wild Card series between the Padres and Rockies.

Now an energetic and charismatic voice in San Diego for years to come, Orsillo will continue his career alongside Grant, Tony Gwynn Jr., Jesse Agler, and Spanish language broadcasters Eduardo Ortega, Carlos Hernandez, and Pedro Gutierrez.

Padres ownership wants Orsillo to finish career in San Diego

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