Padres Officially Sign Top Reliever to 5-Year Deal

The Padres make their first signing of the offseason.

The San Diego Padres have made their first official Major League signing of the 2023-24 offseason, agreeing to a five-year, $28 million deal with Japanese left-handed pitcher Yuki Matsui. The team made the announcement on social media on Saturday. The move brings San Diego's 40-man roster to 34.

松井 裕樹投手、ようこそサンディエゴへ！

We have signed left-handed reliever Yuki Matsui to a five-year contract. Details: https://t.co/5Lbh0M0dWH pic.twitter.com/GOphizrecJ

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) December 23, 2023

The move had been rumored to be in the works since Dec. 20, but it wasn't official until Saturday.

The move was initially reported to be a four-year deal, but on Saturday, it was revealed to be for five years.

Matsui has dominated the NPB in Japan since 2014, sporting a career 2.40 ERA with 236 saves. He was the youngest player in Japan ever to reach the 200-save mark, and will now be taking his talents to America.

Matsui obviously has closing experience, but it remains to be seen what exact role he will play with San Diego.

The Padres are likely to lose All-Star closer Josh Hader this offseason, so Matsui could theoretically take over that role.

He could also be used in late-game situations, and RHP Robert Suarez could close games.

Either way, this is an important first signing of the offseason for the Padres, shoring up one of their biggest needs in the bullpen.

The deal has opt-outs after the third and fourth years, and an injury clause that could convert the fifth year into a club option, per ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Left-handed reliever Yuki Matsui and the San Diego Padres are in agreement on a five-year, $28 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Deal is done. It includes opt-outs after the third and fourth years as well as an injury clause that can convert the fifth year into a club option.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 23, 2023

The Padres still have a lot more work to do this offseason, but it seems they've found their Hader replacement in the form of a left-handed reliever with closing experience.

For a great breakdown of Matsui's game via the MLB Network, you can click here.