Welcome to our series grading every member of the San Diego Padres’ 40-man roster. The roster being evaluated is current as of Oct. 18, prior to the end of the World Series. Because of that, it will include players who will be free agents once the postseason concludes. Each player will be graded on their performance in the 2026 season, including the playoffs. That performance will be weighted based on how much time the player spent with the team (availability is the best ability).
Joe Musgrove
When Musgrove was
traded to the Padres ahead of the 2021 season, it was a reunion for the hometown kid. Musgrove was born and raised in El Cajon, Calif. He grew up as a member of the Friar Faithful. After the 2022 season, Musgrove signed a contract extension with the Padres, becoming the first pitcher in franchise history to be signed to a $100 million deal.
Overall Grade: F
It’s been downhill since. From 2023-26, Musgrove has made just 36 starts (197.0 IP). For some starters, that’s the equivalent of one season of work. And all of those starts came in 2023 and ‘24. Since exiting the 2024 NLDS, Musgrove hasn’t thrown in the regular season. The veteran simply hasn’t delivered since his electric 2022 campaign (2.93 ERA, 181.0 IP).
That’s not fully his fault. Musgrove has battled significant injuries to try to return to the big leagues. In 2023, Musgrove fractured his toe and then experienced shoulder problems down the stretch. He also struggled with elbow bursitis that limited him in 2024. Then, Musgrove exited the NLDS with elbow tightness. He underwent Tommy John surgery and a flexor tendon repair that kept him out for all of 2025.
Musgrove was expected to come back in 2026. He was believed to be an anchor for the 2026 rotation. Instead, he had setback after setback in his rehabilitation. He continued to struggle with abnormal soreness in his throwing arm. He made a triumphant return in the postseason, but threw just three frames. It’s hard to view the regular season as anything other than a failure because of that. Musgrove is entering the final year of his contract extension with the Padres. Hopefully, 2027 can serve as a redemption tour for the 33-year-old.
