One of many San Diego Padres’ most beneficial pitchers has entered free company with an sudden desire about his future.
All-Star left-hander Adrián Morejón has established himself amongst baseball’s only reduction pitchers, positioning him for a doubtlessly profitable contract this offseason.
Nevertheless, some groups have a unique position in thoughts for the 27-year-old.
Will Sammon, Ken Rosenthal, and Katie Woo of The Athletic reported on November 10 that Morejón is attracting curiosity from organizations contemplating him as a beginning pitcher.
Regardless of these alternatives, an individual acquainted with his market advised The Athletic that Morejón prefers to stay within the bullpen.
The event introduces an fascinating wrinkle into the free company of a pitcher who beforehand labored as a starter earlier than rising as one of many recreation’s premier relievers.
Adrián Morejón Prefers Bullpen Function Regardless of Curiosity as Starter
Morejón’s desire might sound shocking given the truth that beginning pitchers typically command greater contracts in free company.
His current success as a reliever supplies loads of causes to need to preserve his present position.
The Cuban left-hander completed the 2026 season with a 2.83 ERA, 107 strikeouts and a 1.08 WHIP throughout 86 innings, showing in 76 video games for San Diego.
He additionally recorded 28 holds and three saves whereas serving as a key setup possibility forward of nearer Mason Miller.
Morejón was even higher in 2025, incomes his first All-Star choice after posting a 2.08 ERA throughout 75 appearances.
His efficiency has made him some of the sought-after reduction pitchers out there this offseason.
Nonetheless, it’s not obscure why groups would possibly envision him of their beginning rotations.
Morejón initially developed as a starter after signing with the Padres in 2016, and his arsenal options a number of efficient pitches, together with a fastball able to reaching 100 mph.
Accidents, nevertheless, difficult his early profession.
Morejón underwent Tommy John surgical procedure in 2021 and subsequently handled an elbow sprain in 2023. He additionally skilled shoulder discomfort throughout San Diego’s 2026 postseason run.
These setbacks may assist clarify why he prefers the position by which he has loved sustained success.
Nothing in The Athletic’s report signifies that Morejón has definitively dominated out beginning or rejected a proper contract provide.
Padres Face Tough Choice as Morejón Attracts Free Company Curiosity
Morejón’s stance comes as San Diego faces uncertainty over whether or not it could actually retain its standout reliever.
The group prolonged him a one-year, $23.15 million qualifying provide on November 2, giving him till November 17 to simply accept or decline.
In accordance with MLB.com’s A.J. Cassavell, Morejón is broadly anticipated to say no the provide and discover a multi-year contract.
If he indicators elsewhere after rejecting it, San Diego would obtain draft-pick compensation.
Morejón’s market may additionally show significantly costlier than the Padres initially anticipated.
MLB insider Robert Murray revealed that one distinguished league supply predicted Morejón would obtain a five-year contract.
Murray additionally recognized the five-year, $95 million settlement Josh Hader signed with Houston as a possible benchmark for Morejón.
Such a contract would signify a substantial funding for a pitcher who has by no means accomplished a full season as a major-league starter.
The Padres have already seen Morejón emerge as one among their most necessary bullpen weapons, however they may face important competitors to retain him.
The Mets and Tigers have already been floated as attainable locations for the left-hander.
For now, Morejón’s desire supplies some readability in regards to the position he want to fill along with his subsequent contract, at the same time as groups discover whether or not he may provide extra in a beginning rotation.
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