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Padres' Top Reliever: Not Who You Think!
4 Oct
Summary
- Adrian Morejón is recognized as the Padres' most valuable reliever.
- Morejón's career transformation involved adding a sinker pitch.
- He is approaching free agency after a decade with the Padres.
Adrian Morejón has established himself as the San Diego Padres' most valuable relief pitcher, a distinction even acknowledged by closer Mason Miller. Morejón's journey from a highly-touted prospect to a dominant force in the bullpen has been a decade in the making since signing with the team in July 2016. His career took a significant turn with the addition of a sinker pitch before the 2024 season, dramatically altering his effectiveness and allowing him to handle a heavy workload.
In 2025, Morejón posted impressive stats with a 2.08 ERA and 70 strikeouts, followed by an even stronger 2026 season where he finished fourth among MLB relievers in fWAR. His ability to pitch multiple innings and deliver high-velocity fastballs, sliders, and changeups has made him a dynamic weapon for manager Craig Stammen. Despite his performance and decade-long tenure, Morejón is set to become a free agent this offseason.
The Padres organization, recognizing Morejón's value and his deep roots with the team, chose not to trade him at the deadline. With elite stuff and proven durability, he is poised to be one of the most sought-after pitchers on the market. Morejón has expressed a strong desire to remain with the Padres, a sentiment echoed by teammates like Fernando Tatis Jr., who publicly urged the team to re-sign him.
