Offseason media speculation has suggested the San Diego Padres are leaning toward extending Adrian Morejon a qualifying offer. The lefty pitcher earned consideration with a dominant second half. No question, Morejon should be brought back for the 2027 campaign.
It is rare for a setup reliever to receive a qualifying offer, but this news should not come as a big surprise. Morejon is considered the top left-handed reliever in this winter’s free-agent class, and should command plenty of interest on the open
market.
What is a qualifying offer?
Every organization has five days after the World Series ends to extend a qualifying offer to an impending free agent. It is a one-year contract offer, and this year’s price tag is $23.15 million.
However, all players must have spent the entire season on the club’s roster and have never received a qualifying offer in their career. If they decline the contract offer and sign elsewhere, their former team receives a compensatory draft pick.
Why extend a qualifying offer
Re-signing Morejon should be the Padres’ top priority this offseason. The club has no internal left-handed bullpen option to replace him. In fact, it is hard to find a reliever who can take on his workload: he averaged over 70 appearances over the last three seasons.
In 2025, Morejon posted a 2.83 ERA over 86.0 innings pitched. Pairing an outstanding 30.4% strikeout rate with a solid 8.0% walk rate, Morejon struck out 107 batters. Perhaps his most impressive underlying metric, Morejon surrendered just four home runs last season.
If he rejects the offer, his suitors will have to consider the cost of pursuing him. Fortunately for the Friars, they receive compensation if their premier setup reliever signs with another team.
If accepted, Morejon would receive a massive salary increase from his $3.9 million mark a year ago. San Diego keeps its late-inning bullpen tandem for another season.
Extending the qualifying offer puts the ball in Morejon’s court.
Morejon has a life-changing decision
At 27, Morejon is in the prime of his career. Most free agents would decline the qualifying offer to seek a multi-year, big-money deal. Morejon’s potential suitors do not need a reminder of his value to the bullpen.
Still, a conflicted decision looms. While accepting the qualifying offer is a foolish business decision, Morejon has openly expressed a desire to remain in San Diego. A deep-seated loyalty to the franchise could play a role in his decision.
To extend a qualifying offer, the Padres have to be confident Morejon is open to a long-term extension. It would not be a surprise to see the Padres and Morejon come together on a new deal.
Time will tell what occurs.
Padres News:
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Baseball News:
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- Tarik Skubal will be the prized free agent on the market this offseason. Where he lands is anyone’s guess.
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- Kurt Suzuki will not return for a second season as manager of the Los Angeles Angels.
