With 24 members of their minor league system becoming free agents, the San Diego Padres added LHP Luis Gutierrez (Padres No. 12 prospect) to the 40-man roster. The lefty starter, 23, was signed by the Padres out of Venezuela in 2019 at the age of 17. He began his pro career as a member of the Dominican Summer League team and has steadily climbed through the system over the past six years ending 2026 as a member of the El Paso Chihuahuas for his last two starts.
The past season was a difficult one
for Gutierrez with a shoulder injury that limited him to 36 innings. In 2025, he played across four levels and finished with a 3.31 ERA in 125 innings. He figures to be the best internal option for the Padres rotation and is now guaranteed a shot in Spring Training.
Adrián Morejón receives a Qualifying Offer from the Padres
The San Diego Padres issued a Qualifying Offer to reliever Adrián Morejón after failing to negotiate a new contract during the exclusive window before he reached full free agency on Monday. The QO guarantees the lefty a one year, $23.15 million contract if he should accept it. If declined and he signs elsewhere, the Padres will receive a compensatory draft pick in the next draft. The deadline to accept or decline is Nov. 17.
Jagger Haynes not retained
Left-handed starter Jagger Haynes (Padres No. 14 prospect) was drafted by the Padres in the fifth round of the 2020 draft but has struggled over the past three seasons. His lowest ERA over that time was 4.11 in 2025 and he has had declining strikeout numbers and increasing command issues. He is now a free agent and can sign with any organization.
Other free agents
Outfielder Tirso Ornelas, once a highly regarded prospect, is a free agent and joins OF Bryce Johnson and UT Nick Solak on the open market.
Pitchers Ty Adcock and Daison Acosta, both signed to major league contracts in 2026, were outrighted off the roster during the year and are both free agents.
The rest of the list
Former prospect Omar Cruz , reliever Logan Gillaspie, starter Sean Boyle, reliever Hans Crouse, starter Evan Fitterer, reliever Trevor Gott, reliever Eli Villalobos and reliever Mario Zabala are all the pitchers free to sign elsewhere.
Catchers Victor Dúarte and Carlos Rodriguez are free agents.
Infielders Francisco Acuña, Clay Dungan, Nick Pratto, Carson Tucker, and Luis Verdugo are free agents.
Outfielders Albert Fabian and Carlos Rodriguez are free agents.
Matt LaChappa, the pitcher who suffered a devastating heart attack while a Padres prospect in 1996, is a free agent every season and is re-signed every year to maintain his health benefits.
Padres News:
- After all the recent changes to the roster Cheri Bell of Gaslamp Ball gets you caught up on where the San Diego bullpen stands.
- He may have opted out of his contract with the Padres, but that will not stop Lincoln Zdunich of Gaslamp Ball from giving Michael King his grade for the 2026 season.
- Mason Miller was named as a finalist for NL Reliever of the Year.
- Former Padres get nods as Hall of Fame candidates.
- Padres’ COO poached by Dodgers; Chris Connolly selected to take over role.
Baseball News:
- Here are all the finalists for the MLB postseason awards.
- Eight players received qualifying offers from their current teams.
- According to reports, the Chicago Cubs are working hard to add Tarik Skubal.
- The latest rumblings of rumors and signings around the MLB.
