Padres Predicted to Land Freddy Peralta
Projections point to San Diego pursuing the 2026 ALCS MVP as King and Morejon head for free agency.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Baseball
The Padres are predicted to sign right-hander Freddy Peralta in free agency after their starters accounted for the fourth-fewest innings across MLB last season. Michael King declined his player option and is projected to depart as well, while Adrian Morejon is also expected to leave.
Why it matters
San Diego's rotation struggled last season, and the projected moves would reshape the pitching staff heading into 2027. Peralta's postseason and second-half performance make him a central figure in the offseason outlook.
Peralta posted a 3.25 ERA in the second half of 2026 and a 2.95 ERA across 21.1 postseason innings. Projections place his next contract at about $28 million AAV, though final terms are not yet known.
The players
Freddy Peralta
A 30-year-old right-hander who was named 2026 ALCS MVP and is predicted to sign with the Padres.
Michael King
A pitcher who declined his player option and is projected to sign with the New York Mets on a deal worth around $30 million AAV.
Adrian Morejon
A standout relief pitcher forecast to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2027.
The details
Peralta started the 2026 season with the Mets before being traded at the deadline to the Tampa Bay Rays, and he was named 2026 ALCS MVP. King declined his player option and entered free agency, while Morejon, a standout reliever, is forecast to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2027.
Timeline
2026 season: Padres starters struggled while Peralta pitched for the Mets.
Trade deadline 2026: Peralta was traded from the Mets to the Tampa Bay Rays.
2026 postseason: Peralta posted a 2.95 ERA over 21.1 innings.
Offseason 2026-27: The Padres are expected to lose King and Morejon and pursue Peralta.
2027: Morejon is predicted to join the Phillies.
Season Trajectory
The Padres' rotation shortfall in 2026 positions the franchise to chase a proven postseason arm in free agency rather than rely on internal development. Losing both King and Morejon would further thin a bullpen and rotation depth that already ranked among the league's weakest in innings output.
If Peralta signs with San Diego, the Padres would add a starter with a 2.95 postseason ERA to a rotation that struggled last year. Fantasy managers should watch whether King and Morejon's departures change their roles on new clubs.
The takeaway
Teams that finished with weak starting depth often turn to free agency to patch rotations, and San Diego's offseason may follow that path. Keep an eye on final contract terms once signings are confirmed.
Further reading
Explore more on the Baseball section for context on the Padres' rotation and offseason moves.
