Padres free agent target falls through after picking up player option

The Padres entered free agency with the question of what they would do to address starting pitching, as they are set to see two of their premier starting pitchers depart.

Dylan Cease is an unrestricted free agent and is set to earn more than $25 million per year on the open market — a price that the front office is likely unwilling to pay, especially after a down season. Michael King, on the other hand, declined the mutual option for 2026, making him a free agent. The Padres are optimistic that they can re-sign King, as his market value sits at $22 million.

Shane Bieber takes himself off Padres’ wish list by picking up player option

Even if King were to remain in San Diego, the starting rotation would need revamping, as Nick Pivetta and Michael King would occupy only two of five starting spots. This would mean monitoring the starting-pitcher market in free agency, which features a relatively deep class this year.

One starter in particular proved his worth in the postseason, but plans to make him a Padre fell through after his recent decision.

Cleveland Guardians/Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Shane Bieber elected to pick up his player option worth $16 million, tying him to the Blue Jays through the 2026 season. The decision surprised many, as the 2020 Cy Young Award winner was set to earn much more money on the open market.

Projected deals for Bieber if he opted out:

• 4Y/$97 million ($24.25 million/year)
• 4Y/$112 million ($28 million/year)
• 3Y/$75 million with an opt out ($25 million/year) (The Athletic)

Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller has plenty of other options to survey. While Bieber chose to opt in, others chose to opt out. Framber Valdez, Shota Imanaga, Ranger Suárez, and others headline an incredibly deep class, and it would be foolish if the Padres didn’t hop on the trend of bringing in a starting pitcher.