Padres will have new closer after Robert Suarez opts out of contract

The Padres now know for sure they will have an extra $8 million to work with this winter and have a new closer in 2026.

Robert Suarez opted out of the final two years on his contract Monday, a move that was every bit as expected as starting pitcher Michael King declining his side of the mutual option on his contract on Sunday.

The 34-year-old Suarez was due $8 million each of the next two seasons. He made $10 million in 2025, when he led the National League in saves.

Acquiring Mason Miller from the Athletics at the trade deadline was a move made in part to offset the anticipated loss of Suarez this offseason. The Padres also have Jason Adam, Jeremiah Estrada and Adrian Morejón at the back end of their bullpen, though there has been some talk internally about giving Estrada, Miller or Morejon a chance to start in spring training.

Adam is unlikely to begin the season on time after his season-ending quad injury and subsequent surgery in September.

Teams and players have to decide by Thursday whether to exercise options.

Relief pitcher Wandy Peralta has exercised his $4.45 million option for 2026. The Padres are expected to exercise their option on left fielder Ramón Laureano ($6.5 million).

The team will likely decline its portion of mutual options on catcher Elias Díaz ($7 million) and pitcher Kyle Hart ($5 million).