Padres eliminated 3–1 by the Cubs, with rotation, bullpen, and lineup issues defining the offseason.

Highlights:

• Dylan Cease and Michael King decisions headline a rotation in flux.
• The bullpen faces change with Robert Suárez’s opt-out looming.
• Luis Arraez’s free agency leaves questions about offensive balance.

The San Diego Padres had their shot — and just like that, it was gone. A 3–1 loss to the Chicago Cubs in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series closed the book on another October cameo. For a franchise that has spent big, swung bold trades, and carried sky-high expectations, this ending feels a little too familiar.

Padres fans have seen this movie before. Big names on the marquee, shaky supporting cast, and the credits roll before you even get to the good part. Now, with winter on deck, San Diego has to decide if it’s finally going to fix the script or keep running sequels nobody asked for.

Here are the three biggest issues waiting for answers.

Rotation Choices: Cease, King, and Musgrove’s Return

The Padres reshaped their pitching staff at the 2024 deadline, and those moves spill into 2026. Dylan Cease will be a free agent after 2025, entering his walk year. Michael King holds a 2026 mutual option ($15 million)that most expect to be declined, making him another likely free agent. Meanwhile, Joe Musgrove is working back from Tommy John surgery (Oct. 2024) and is not expected to be full-go until the 2026 season.

The club added stability when it signed Nick Pivetta to a four-year, $55 million contract, giving them a durable arm through 2028. Still, they’ll need to decide whether to retain Cease or King, replace them, or double down on external additions. With Musgrove’s timetable uncertain, this rotation is far from set.

Bullpen Architecture: Mason Miller’s Role and Suárez’s Future

The blockbuster deadline trade with Oakland landed Mason Miller and JP Sears, instantly reshaping San Diego’s staff. Miller looked electric in short bursts this October, his triple-digit fastball overwhelming hitters in leverage spots. He is not a conventional closer but profiles as a multi-inning fireman — a weapon in the Andrew Miller mold.

But questions swirl around the ninth. Robert Suárez has contract options that allow him to opt out after 2025, and industry expectation is that he will test free agency. Wandy Peralta also has rolling opt-outs in his deal, adding another layer of uncertainty. If Suárez departs, the Padres must decide whether to anoint Miller as closer or shop for another proven late-inning option.