One of the missing pieces on the 2025 San Diego Padres postseason roster was Jason Adam. He ruptured his left quadricep tendon, which required surgery, in September. The Friar Faithful received encouraging news on their star reliever, as he could be back on the mound at the start of next season.
Adam is a mainstay of the Padres’ bullpen
Initial reports following the surgery indicated that Adam would start the 2026 season on the injured list, with an expected recovery timeline of six to nine months. But his rehabilitation has gone well, and
Adam could be available for Opening Day. The City of San Diego should rejoice, as the Padres aim to make another run at the postseason.
Since his arrival, Adam has become one of the Friars’ top late-inning options out of the bullpen. Last season was special for him; he was named to an All-Star team for the first time in his major league career. The right-hander notched a 1.93 ERA in 65 appearances. Adam allowed 78 baserunners in 65.1 innings pitched, but only 18 of them scored.
Despite Suarez’s expected departure, bullpen is talented
Despite the opt-out of Robert Suarez, the Friars should have a quality mix coming out of the ‘pen next season. Barring a surprise trade or free agent signing, Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon have emerged as the team’s closer and eighth-inning specialist. Between the two, Miller has more experience as a closer, with 50 career saves for his three-year major league career.
If called upon, the closer role is not new to Adam. But it has been a while since he was thrust into duty. Adam served as the Tampa Bay Rays closer in 2023. The right-hander earned 12 saves in 56 appearances. However, it might be better served for the Padres to utilize Adam in the seventh-inning setup role.
When healthy, he has been the most efficient bridge reliever to the closer in baseball.
The primary objective for the 2026 campaign is to remain injury-free all season. All eyes in Peoria will be on Adam to determine if he can regain strength in his leg to begin the season on the roster. If not, the Friars would be wise not to speed up the recovery process.
The Padres do not have a surplus of talent. It is important for Adam to return to last season’s pitching level for the Friars to have success.
