The San Diego Padres are looking to remain competitive in a loaded National League West as the 2026 season approaches.
This winter, the team operated far more quietly than usual, making no major moves as president of baseball operations A.J. Preller worked under tighter payroll restrictions than in years past.
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Even so, the Padres still have an excellent offensive core headlined by Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, along with a solid rotation that hopes a healthy Joe Musgrove can help replace right‑hander Dylan Cease’s production and keep the group competitive. Cease left in free agency to join the Toronto Blue Jays.
One area that did take a clear hit, however, is the bullpen. San Diego lost closer Robert Suarez to a three‑year deal worth $45 million with the Atlanta Braves.
A detailed view of a San Diego Padres hat.© Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
(© Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images)
Fortunately, the club still has flamethrower Mason Miller, acquired at last year’s trade deadline from the Athletics, who is expected to take over the ninth inning and could be an even better long‑term option.
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But losing Suarez still trims the bullpen’s depth, which had been one of the team’s greatest strengths. As a result, several arms will need to step up for new manager Craig Stammen.
On Friday, Stammen announced that one of those key relievers, Yuki Matsui, suffered an injury this week. According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, Stammen revealed that Matsui may not be able to participate in the World Baseball Classic for Team Japan after leaving a live batting practice session with left groin tightness. It is unclear whether the injury will linger into Opening Day, but it remains something to monitor.
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Matsui is preparing for his third season with the Padres and has been a reliable bullpen option since signing a five‑year, $28 million contract in December 2023.
The 30‑year‑old left‑hander appeared in 61 games last season, recording 61 strikeouts in 63⅓ innings while posting a 3.98 ERA and earning one save.
His injury is notable because the Padres already lack late‑inning depth, and Matsui is one of the few experienced left‑handed options Stammen can trust in high‑leverage spots. Losing him for any stretch would further thin a bullpen that cannot afford setbacks early on this year.
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Related: Padres’ Jackson Merrill Sends Message to New Teammate at Spring Training
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.