Yuki Matsui Returning To Padres, Who Pick Up Kyle Hart's Option

[Steve Drumwright]

 

 

With the latest moves, everyone who had the chance to come back to the San Diego Padres' bullpen in 2027 is returning.

Yuki Matsui opted in to his $6.5 million contract for 2027, while fellow left-handed reliever Kyle Hart had his option picked up on his $2.5 million deal. The only members of the bullpen who were on the postseason roster not returning are the two free agents, left-hander Adrian Morejon and right-hander Jason Adam, both key setup relievers.

Designated hitter Miguel Andujar declined his portion of a mutual option, while the Padres declined their side of mutual options for right-handers Griffin Canning and Lucas Giolito, the team said Sunday. Andujar had a $2.5 million buyout on an $8 million contract for next year, while Canning had a $1.5 million buyout on a $5 million pact and Giolito a $1.5 million buyout on his $8 million deal for 2027.

The Padres on Saturday declined the team option on right-handed starter Nick Pivetta, the biggest option decision on the roster. According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, there are health concerns about Pivetta's right elbow. There is a chance Pivetta returns on a contract that protects the Padres and includes performance bonuses.

Does Matsui's decision indicate anything regarding Morejon's future? The unlikely duo are terrific friends. Matsui blossomed into a leverage reliever as this season went on, finishing the best of his three MLB seasons with a 1.83 ERA (4.18 FIP) and 1.141 WHIP with a 26.2% strikeout rate, but a career-worst 13.8% walk rate. Matsui made up for those walks with a sensational .171 opponent batting average. He worked 64 innings, two-thirds of an inning more than he did last year, while pitching in 54 games, seven less than 2025 and 10 fewer than 2024. Matsui has an $8 million player option for 2028.

Hart, who had a $200,000 buyout on his club option for 2027, had his most extensive action in his three MLB seasons. After four appearances with the Boston Red Sox in 2020 and 20 with the Padres in 2025 after spending 2024 in South Korea, Hart pitched in 46 games this year and had a 3.63 FIP (4.92 ERA), tossing 64 innings. Hart often served as the first reliever if a starter had to exit early, also serving as an opener four times. He had a 9.7% walk rate and 22% strikeout rate, also allowing a .218 opponent batting average.

 

 

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