Padres Exec Explains Decision to Decline Contract Options on Pair of Key Pitchers

Both remain options to return next season.

The San Diego Padres kicked off their offseason by declining team options on multiple key members of their pitching staff. The team reportedly wants to shed salary this winter, and by doing this, they can take a better look at the payroll as a whole.

Padres President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller explains the team's decision to decline the options on pitchers Nick Martinez and Michael Wacha.

“The first move of the offseason, we just weren't comfortable at those price points. ... We're very open to those guys coming back."

Per A.J. Preller

Martinez had a two-year, $32 million option on his contract, but it was a mutual decision to have it declined. Wacha had the same option on his deal, and the Padres decided it was too much to bring back. But as Preller stated, the team is open to bringing them back on a more team-friendly deal.

Wacha posted an ERA of 3.22 over 24 starts, and a record of 14-4. He put up a WHIP of 1.16 and struck out 124 batters in 134.1 innings of work. He seems like the better chance to return, as he was arguably their best pitcher not named Blake Snell or Josh Hader.

On declining the Martinez/Wacha team options: "The first move of the offseason, we just weren't comfortable at those price points. ... We're very open to those guys coming back."

— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) November 8, 2023

Wacha gave the team a chance to win each night out, and they were thankful to have him on the roster. He earned a new deal this offseason, but it could end up being out of the Padres price range,

As for Martinez, he posted an ERA of 3.43 in 63 games played, starting nine of them. He did everything for San Diego this past year and has expressed his want to remain with the team. However, his success could see another team offering a lot more money than the Friars are willing to match.

Both were instrumental in the success that the Padres saw last season, so losing them would hurt the team. It remains to be seen what will happen with both pitchers this winter, but a reunion in San Diego can’t be overlooked at this time in the offseason.