The San Diego Padres declined mutual options on infielder Miguel Andujar, right-hander Griffin Canning and right-hander Lucas Giolito, making all three free agents, according to MLB.com. The decisions, announced as part of the Padres’ offseason roster moves, close out the trio’s time in San Diego and open roster spots as the club reshapes its pitching staff.
The Terms
Canning’s declined option was worth $2.5 million for 2027. Giolito’s club option carried a $3 million price tag for 2027. Andujar declined his side of a $4 million mutual option for 2027.
San Diego exercised Kyle Hart’s $2.5 million club option for 2027. Wandy Peralta exercised his player option, and Yuki Matsui exercised his $6.5 million player option for 2027 (with a $7 million option available for 2028). Matsui posted a 1.83 ERA in 54 regular-season outings and allowed just one unearned run across five postseason appearances.s declined option was worth $2.5 million for the 2027 season.
Andujar, whose situation involved a mutual option rather than a straight club option, turned down his side of a $4 million deal for next season. All three now hit the open market without a Padres contract on the books.
The club went the opposite direction with three relievers. San Diego exercised Kyle Hart’s $2.5 million club option, retained Wandy Peralta after he picked up his own player option, and kept Yuki Matsui, who exercised a $6.5 million player option for 2027 with a further $7 million option available for 2028.
What It Means For The Padres
San Diego’s bullpen retains some continuity even as the rotation faces a near-total overhaul. Randy Vásquez is the only returning starter from the 2026 group, and Joe Musgrove’s path back into the rotation remains unsettled after Tommy John surgery limited him to a postseason return. JP Sears is another internal option for a rotation spot.
General Manager A.J. Preller framed the churn as part of an annual pattern. “Every year we talk about it: You’ve got to be willing to revamp your pitching staff,” Preller said, according to MLB.com.
“This offseason will be no different. We’ll have some opportunity, I think, this offseason to build a staff that we think is a championship staff through free agency, trades and continuing to develop.”
The Padres also face a Monday 2 p.m. PT deadline to decide whether to extend a qualifying offer to Adrian Morejon, who is otherwise ticketed for free agency, according to the report. That decision will add another layer to how San Diego fills out its pitching staff this winter.
Player Background
Giolito struggled this season and missed nearly the entire second half due to a right elbow injury. Canning also had a difficult year on the mound, leading San Diego to decline both options.
Andujar slashed .259/.303/.423 across 74 games for the Padres in 2026.
Peralta posted a 3.61 ERA in 65 appearances, while Hart finished at 4.92 in 46 games.
What’s Next
Andujar, Giolito and Canning are now free to sign with any club as the offseason market opens. San Diego’s immediate decision point comes Monday with the qualifying offer deadline for Morejon, which will shape how the front office approaches free agency and trades to rebuild the rotation around Vásquez, Musgrove and Sears.
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