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The 2026 Spring Training report date for pitchers and catchers is two weeks from today. Joe Musgrove is again hosting his Camp 44 before the new season begins. San Diego Padres pitcher Yu Darvish will almost definitely be participating with the team in one capacity or another. After having his third elbow surgery following last season, Darvish is three months removed and heading into the necessary rehabilitation required to get normal function back in his elbow.

The big question regarding Darvish is what role he will take going forward. As far back as last season, it was clear that Darvish had already started contemplating ending his professional career. While rehabbing and trying to get back on the field, he said: “I did seriously consider potentially not coming back – with the injury as well as with my performance the last couple years not being up to standard. But I thought to myself to go all out and treat it as if it was my last time.”

After the surgery, Darvish stated his goal was to rehab in order to be able to have normal function again. Many thought the 39-year-old veteran was implying that he was seriously considering retirement.

Now we jump forward to January of 2026 and the month leading up to Spring Training. Darvish again implied, while appearing at an event for Ronald McDonald House in December, that his goal was health and pitching again was not in his sights at that point.

The Padres are budget constrained, the free agent and trade markets have been outrageously expensive, and Padres fans are clamoring for additions to be made to the roster to round out the team.

Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union Tribune published an article stating the Darvish retirement was around the corner and he would be walking away from the remainder of his contract. His exact words:

“Yu Darvish does not plan to pitch again in the major leagues.”

Acee quoted Darvish (from the Ronald McDonald House event) – “The way my rehab is going now, I am focused on getting right, not coming back. Right now, I’m not really thinking too much about the future. Just knowing the way I think, I’m sure I will one day want to throw again. All I’ve thought about in my life is baseball.”

After writing in his article that Darvish was done, there was a swift response on social media from both Darvish and his agent, Joel Wolfe.

According to Yu Darvish’s agent, Joel Wolfe, no decision has been made on the pitcher’s retirement.

Wolfe: “Yu has not made a final decision yet. This is a complicated matter we are still working through.”

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 24, 2026

Darvish stated via his X (Twitter) account:

“You may have seen an article, and although I am leaning towards voiding the contract, there’s still a lot that has to be talked over with the Padres so the finer details are yet to be decided. Also I will not be announcing my retirement yet. Right now I am fully focused on my rehab for my elbow, and if I get to a point where I can throw again, I will start from scratch again to compete. If once I get to that point I feel I can’t do that, I will announce my retirement.”

Later in the day, after the initial reporting (Saturday, Jan. 25), Darvish elaborated further:

“Since there are reports about my retirement, I’ll explain briefly,” he posted. “I’ve been discussing with the Padres since last year about terminating the contract, but I haven’t decided to retire yet. My own intention has been consistent since the start of the offseason, but at this point, discussions with the Padres, the players’ association, and my agent haven’t been finalized.

“As for me, if I can thoroughly complete my rehab and feel confident that I can pitch in games both mentally and physically, I’d like to start over and compete from scratch again. As for this year, I plan to go to Petco Park for rehab as well, and also attend a bit of Spring Training.”

Two things are true as you read what Darvish stated. He intends to walk away from his contract with the Padres and, if he decides to pitch again, it will be starting over from scratch and earning a spot on a roster. The details of the first fact are complicated and involve legal and financial issues for both the player and his representatives.

The second point is that he must complete his rehab before even thinking about pitching again. Darvish will be 40 when that process is completed. This is his third elbow surgery and his second UCL surgery. His intention appears clear. He does not want to take any more money from the Padres as a professional pitcher. There will be a negotiation that settles on an agreement for all parties but it seems clear Darvish would prefer to walk away.

Any announcement of a retirement is not immediately forthcoming. If he voids his contract he will owe no one anything and can take his time deciding about his professional future. If he stayed under contract he would have to proceed as the team required but on his own he can do it his way.

Acee was interviewed on Monday, Jan. 26, on San Diego Sports 760 radio with Jon Schaeffer clarifying his reporting. He acknowledged that using the word “retired” or “retirement” was a mistake. Although he stands by his statement that Darvish is fully intending on walking away from his Padres contract, the end of his professional career has not necessarily arrived and that is a call only Darvish can make.

Despite the premature jump that Acee took in announcing this development, it should be noted that Padres fans have probably seen the last of Darvish in a Padres uniform in a professional game. Even if his contract is converted into a personal services agreement or a front office job, Darvish as a Padres starter is probably a done deal.

As is his tendency, Darvish will refuse to take money he didn’t earn. The same as when he had to walk away in 2024 to deal with family issues, the team will not have to pay him money that he hasn’t worked for. He was quoted in December – “As far as leaving lots of money, I look at it as that was never mine to begin with. Especially considering the money I haven’t physically earned yet.”

A man of high principles and honor, Darvish will hopefully remain a part of this organization even after his playing days are over. He has already begun the transition into another role as he sat in on talks with free agents and was present during the negotiations for Michael King’s re-signing. He also attended the news conference after that signing.

Darvish is known to be close to Padres president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller and it would make sense that a special assistant role would be a good fit for him. No matter the final deal that is struck, Darvish should be admired for the ethics and principles that he brings to his career. All Padres fans should appreciate what he has meant to this team professionally and as a rolemodel for his teammates.

Like Musgrove, who stayed with the team as a mentor and cheerleader all through his rehab time last season, Darvish intends to spend time with the team during Spring Training. There is no doubt he will do what he can to support the rest of the team and the pitching staff as they prepare for the new season.

At an event on Saturday, Jan. 25, for the new Miracle League field, Musgrove was quoted:

“I know Darvish, I know his passion for the game, about his desire to help people around him get better, but I have no expectation as far as what we’re going to get out of him this year. I don’t say that in a negative way, I say that as this is a decision for Yu. He’s got his reasons why he’s doing it; I think it is extremely admirable what he’s doing, but I don’t want to put any of my opinions out there. It’s his decision to make 100 percent and I don’t feel a certain way about it.”

Staying out of the controversy is a wise choice for Musgrove but it seems clear that his teammates know what Darvish is intending and appreciate him for who he is.

Padres fans should do the same.

Even though this is likely to take some time to finalize, don’t become so wrapped up in the money side that we forget to appreciate the man who is doing it. Yes, the extra payroll flexibility will go far to helping with the roster this year and in coming years. No doubt, that is exactly what Darvish intended.

But with the unprecedented contracts we are seeing in professional sports, it is refreshing to be in the company of an athlete who puts his team, his adopted city and his fans ahead of himself.

The Mets have reached an agreement with Grae Kessinger on a minor league deal, according to Mike Puma of the NY Post. 

The pact includes an invitation to spring training. 

Kessinger is a former second-round pick of the Houston Astros. 

He spent most of his time with the organization in the minors, but appeared in 48 MLB games in 2023 and 2024. 

The 28-year-old was flipped to the Diamondbacks last offseason after being DFA'd in December. 

Kessinger ended up being optioned to Triple-A prior to Opening Day, and he would appear in just 11 games with Reno before being released in April.

Now he lands a new pact with the Mets, and he'll serve as veteran depth in the minors. 

Kessinger's played all four infield positions and has a .335 on-base percentage in his minor league career. 

The Mets and Yankees front offices now know when they have to put their pens down on any midseason trades.

According to multiple reports, Major League Baseball has informed teams that the 2026 trade deadline is set for Monday, Aug. 3, at 6 p.m.

MLB Trade Rumors notes that this year's date is notable in that it's the first time since the flexible deadline was implemented -- a feature included in the 2022 collective bargaining agreement -- that the league has pushed the date this late. Many baseball fans recognize July 31 as the usual trade deadline, but the flexible deadline feature allows MLB to set the deadline on any date between July 28 and Aug. 3. 

On Aug. 3, all eight games start no later than 6:40 p.m. ET. The Mets are off while the Yankees host the St. Louis Cardinals on 7:05 p.m.

Last season, the Mets and Yankees had busy trade deadlines. The Mets dealt for OF Cedric Mullins along with relievers Tyler Rogers, Gregory Soto and Ryan Helsley. 

The Yankees had a more impactful trade deadline. They acquired INFO/OF Jose Caballero, 3B Ryan McMahon, utility man Amed Rosario, and relievers Greg Bird, Camilo Doval and David Bednar. 

 

Hot on the heels of adding to their pitching depth with Cooper Criswell entering the fold, the Mariners have made a small move to bolster their options on the other end of the battery.

Pereda, 30 in mid-April, has played in affiliated ball since 2013 after being signed by the Cubs out of Venezuela. After bouncing around the Red Sox, Giants, and Reds orgs, he made his long-awaited big league debut in 2024 with the Marlins the day before his 28th birthday. Although he slashed .231/.250/.231 over 40 scattered plate appearances, he made a strong first impression behind the plate, throwing out four of eight would-be base stealers. That was enough to draw interest from the A’s, who claimed him from Miami last January and opened the season with him backing up Shea Langeliers. His production at the plate remained lackluster, though, and Oakland Sacramento designated him for assignment in June before he was snapped up by the Twins. Minnesota kept him in Triple-A until September, giving him ample opportunities was they played out the string. While Pereda finished the year on a high note, slashing a sturdy .345/.387/.483 over 32 plate appearances, it wasn’t enough to save his roster spot after the Twins signed fellow catcher Victor Caratini.

Pereda has never been one to show much pop; still searching for his first big league homer, he’s only popped 33 over 3033 career minor league plate appearances. He does, however, bring solid bat-to-ball skills to the table, being punched out in just 15.1% of the time across the minors, and an accompanying 11.8% walk rate suggests he’s no mere hacker. On the defensive side, he brought a sub-two second pop time in MLB in 2025 – good for the 68th percentile – and showed some heads-up decisions, but graded out as an average receiver overall.

And hey, he did strike out Shohei Ohtani once.

Crucially, Pereda has one minor league option remaining – doubtlessly a key factor in his acquisition. Cal Raleigh is coming off of one of the best single-seasons in franchise history, and the M’s brought in Andrew Knizner to serve as backup after trading Harry Ford to the Nationals. Before Pereda came aboard, they were the only two catchers on the 40-man roster – not exactly ideal for depth purposes. It’s unlikely that he will see much time in Seattle, but he should slot in as Tacoma’s starting catcher, and would be the first man up if needed.

To make room for Pereda, the M’s designated righty Jackson Kowar for assignment. It was a long road back for Kowar after undergoing Tommy John in March 2024, but he made his Mariners debut on May 28th, tossing 17 mostly low-leverage innings. While Kowar showed flashes of what made him such a promising prospect with the Royals, a lack of minor league options combined with a pedestrian strikeout rate of 21.1% had him on the bubble, especially with the aforementioned Criswell being brought on. There’s still a chance Seattle could outright him and keep him in the org, though, so don’t pronounce the Robinson Canó/Edwin Díaz trade tree dead just yet.

It is hard to imagine that San Diego Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth is entering his seventh season with the franchise. A feat that should not be dismissed, as his versatility to play multiple infield positions could be key to the Padres’ success in 2026.

Cronenworth’s glove sets the standard for infield defense

Too often, we value hitting metrics more than fielding stats in determining a player’s importance to a team’s success. Cronenworth’s bottom-of-the-order run production, paired with his outstanding glove work, earned him a full-time starting role with the Padres since arriving in 2020. 

He came to San Diego in the Hunter Renfroe trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. The Padres highly valued his versatility, as he could effectively play first base, second base and shortstop.

The intangible is his career fielding percentage (.991), as Cronenworth’s attention to detail allows him to take a challenge and usually excel in a position change. His defense does not suffer because he has maintained a utility player’s mentality, despite being the starting second baseman.

Cronenworth is exceptional at fielding balls hit directly at him. Other middle infielders may have more range, but it is not a guarantee that they will field each ball hit in their direction. 

Obviously, the front office prefers to keep Cronenworth at second base, but circumstances may force him to play more at first base this season. The Friars are hoping to add another bat before opening Spring Training in Peoria, Ariz. on Feb. 11. 

Padres need more bottom-of-the-order production

At the plate, Cronenworth’s value is his ability to move runners along the base paths and drive in those who are in scoring position. His standout season came in 2021, Cronenworth hit .266 (career best) with 21 HR (61 extra-base hits) and 71 RBI. He achieved a career-high 122 OPS+, which earned him his first All-Star Game appearance.

Last season, Cronenworth struggled with consistency at the plate after missing time with fractured ribs. The injury limited him to a .246 batting average with 11 HR and 59 RBI in 135 games. The concern was his lack of power from the left side of the plate, as just 32 of his 103 hits were for extra-base hits.

The Padres hope Cronenworth returns to his former power-hitting, run-producing self, as this would add considerable length to the batting order.

Spring Training should have the same feel for Cronenworth, as he will take fielding reps at first and second base. However, he has no clue where he will start in the regular season. Some time at first base could be in his future, especially with the uncertainty of free agent Luis Arraez possibly returning to the fold. 

Thankfully, Cronenworth is the type of player who comes to the ballpark ready to compete. It does not matter where he plays as long as his name is in the lineup.

To get back to the postseason, the Friars must excel at using Cronenworth’s versatility to their advantage. 

The New York Rangers secured an emotional 4-3 victory over the Boston Bruins on Monday night, but lo and behold, Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury was working behind the scenes to send Carson Soucy to the New York Islanders. 

Soucy was notably absent from the lineup, as it was reported earlier in the day that he would be scratched due to roster management, with a trade between the Rangers and Islanders brewing. 

Drury’s letter, issued on Jan. 16, outlining the team’s plans to retool the roster, sent a message that change is coming, and part of this core is bound to be broken up in the coming weeks and months. 

Since then, Rangers players have preached a business-as-usual mentality, while saying all the right things regarding the direction and future of the team. 

However, it feels like the calm before the storm, and a major shakeup to the team’s core is inevitable. 

After the Rangers’ Monday night win, J.T. Miller was asked point blank if he is trying to savor these potential last few days with this group currently in place. 

“To be honest with you, I try not to think about it,” Miller said. “It is what it is at this point. We have a close group in here. This isn’t the position that any of us thought we were going to be in at the start of the season, but it’s a business and we’re just trying to treat it like normal days. We have a lot of fun together in this room, so I don't think we're very worried about that.”

Mike Sullivan Says Carson Soucy Trade Took Place Due To ‘Reality Of Where We’re At’The New York <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/">Rangers</a> completed their first trade of this suppressive retool on Monday night, sending Carson Soucy to the New York Islanders in exchange for a third-round pick.&nbsp;

There’s a certain element of calmness coming from within the Rangers’ locker room right now with everything out in the open after Drury’s letter was released. 

The reality is clear to everybody in the organization, and it’s just about waiting for what is ultimately to come.

Soucy is just the first domino to fall in what should be a flurry of moves made by Drury. 

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Padres fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

It’s not the news San Diego Padres fans wanted necessarily, but it’s the news we got, and it allows us a moment to step away from prognostications and hypotheticals about potential trades or free agent signings to think about something we, as fans, can control. 

The Padres released their 2026 promotional schedule with the items being unveiled on Ben & Woods on 97.3 The Fan Monday morning, and across all San Diego social media platforms as well as emails to subscribers. There is no doubt you have at least heard of the giveaways if not seen them by now.

There is something for everyone on the giveaway schedule this year. The items range from scarves and crossbody bags to T-shirts and lunchboxes. But some of the most sought-after giveaways in recent years have been bobbleheads. The Padres announced six regular game bobblehead giveaways and three theme game bobblehead giveaways.

Manny Machado, Mason Miller, Xander Bogaerts, Trevor Hoffman, Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr. each will be featured in the regular season bobbleheads, while Jeremiah Estrada, Merrill and Don Orsillo and Mark “Mud” Grant will have theme game bobbleheads.  

Of course, the idea is the giveaways will bring fans to Petco Park, which has not been a problem the past few seasons, but the bobbleheads have become quite the collector’s item especially for fans of the Padres or a specific player. The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a bobblehead for the regular games and only fans with a theme game ticket will receive one of the Estrada – Lowrider, Merrill – Star Wars or Don and Mud – Mini Yacht bobbleheads.

Gaslamp Ball wants to know which bobblehead would entice you to make sure you’re at the game. There are plenty of choices and something for everyone. Undoubtably there will be fans who collect them all, but if you could get just one, which bobblehead would you want?

Results of the poll will be posted later in the week.

Piggybacking off of this Feed post from DJourn from earlier: Are y’all going to Braves Fest on Saturday? Granted, it’s forcasted to be absolutely brick cold in Cobb County on this coming Saturday but hey, it’s Braves Fest. We didn’t get it last year and it only comes once a year. I’m planning on going, myself but also I totally understand if the cold ends up being too much — heck, I’m even second-guessing myself a tiny bit. We’ll see what happens, haha.

Anyways, the floor is now yours. Here’s a random clip: