Padres All-Star Reliever Makes Feelings Clear About Free Agency

The San Diego Padres have several important decisions to make this offseason, but one of their veteran relievers has already made his preference clear.

All-Star right-hander Jason Adam wants to remain in San Diego as he prepares to enter free agency following an injury-shortened 2026 season.

“I love it here,” Adam told reporters after the Padres' season-ending loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the National League Division Series, according to Padres On SI.

“I think it’s the best setup in all of baseball, between the fans, the guys in this clubhouse, the coaching staff, life in San Diego. It’s been a privilege to be here the last few years.”

Adam added that he hopes there will be many more years with the organization.

The 35-year-old also acknowledged that his injury problems could affect his value on the open market.

“I feel like with the injuries, I’ve made myself pretty affordable,” Adam said.

Adam missed nearly three months after suffering a right shoulder strain in early July.

He returned to the Padres' bullpen on September 23, just in time for the final stretch of the regular season and the postseason.

Despite the lengthy absence, Adam finished the regular season with a 2.62 ERA, 22 strikeouts and a 1.17 WHIP in 38 appearances covering 34 1/3 innings.

He also pitched in four postseason games, allowing one earned run over 3 1/3 innings.

Those numbers followed an impressive 2025 campaign in which Adam earned his first All-Star selection.

He posted a 1.93 ERA with 70 strikeouts in 65 appearances that season, establishing himself as one of San Diego's most reliable late-inning relievers.

The Padres originally acquired Adam from the Tampa Bay Rays at the 2024 trade deadline in exchange for three prospects, including pitcher Dylan Lesko.

His performance since that trade has made him an important part of a bullpen that also features closer Mason Miller and fellow All-Star Adrian Morejon.

However, keeping that group together could prove challenging as San Diego evaluates its roster and payroll heading into 2027.

Morejon has also expressed his desire to remain with the Padres.  

The Padres must also address their starting rotation, payroll commitments and other potential departures as president of baseball operations A.J. Preller prepares for a busy offseason.

Adam's shoulder injury could complicate negotiations for his next contract, although his track record as a dependable late-inning reliever could attract interest from other teams.

Adam has made it clear where he wants to pitch in 2027. Now it's up to the Padres to decide whether they can make that happen.