At the trade deadline, the San Diego Padres cemented their place in the National League Wild Card race. President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller added much-needed starting pitching in Robbie Ray and Casey Mize.
Both starters are considered “rentals” because they’re eligible to become free agents at season’s end. It is only fitting that speculation about where each pitcher will play next season begins.
However, Ray could become a polarizing piece of the Padres’ offseason puzzle.
Ray trying to elevate his game
At first, his pitching performance drove the Friar Faithful to pull their hair out and turn off the television. Since arriving in San Diego, Ray has a 1-1 record with a 3.98 ERA in four starts. After two disappointing outings, his last two starts showcased the caliber of pitcher the Padres acquired at the trade deadline.
In the week before the trade to the Friars, the 34-year-old told the San Francisco Giants he wanted to pitch for a contender if the club intended to deal him.
No question, Ray is an integral part of the rotation. Despite the rollercoaster ride, he wants to start in the big games down the stretch that could decide who wins the final Wild Card berth. To pursue a World Series title, you need pitchers like Ray.
It is tough for the Friar Faithful to see a quality pitcher have a short stay in San Diego. But the front office might have found some financial flexibility to discuss a new contract with Ray.
Pivetta’s uncertain future in San Diego
This past Friday marked the 131st consecutive day that Nick Pivetta was on the injured list. It triggered a team option clause in his contract that allows the Padres to opt out of the remaining two years and $32 million of the deal.
Suddenly, a sizeable amount of money becomes available after the club exercises its option and Pivetta becomes a free agent. This winter, the Friars will have holes to fill in their starting rotation.
One storyline to watch is whether Michael King opts out of the final two years of his $58 million contract. From Preller’s perspective, he wants a proven, durable starter who can stabilize the rotation. If King is seeking riches from a big-market team, then Ray could be his offseason target.
Payroll constraints threaten potential Ray signing
The Padres need all the help they can get to keep their payroll in check. Already, they have a few big-money, long-term commitments to Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Xander Bogaerts on the balance sheet. The hope is Ray would take a slight paycut to help extend the club’s postseason window. It is the current trend in baseball.
If both sides can reach common ground, you could see a three-year deal for $62-65 million. It would put Ray at over $21 million per season. Yes, down from this season’s $25 million base salary. Do not kid yourself, plenty of suitors will be vying for his services.
Let’s reaffirm that no deal is pending.
Ray’s decision may come down to how he finishes the final five weeks of the 2026 campaign. It will reveal if there is any chance to continue a working relationship next season.
