Padres' New Korean Star Lands No. 24 Jersey

Infielder Will Wagner switches to No. 7 to make way for Sung-Mon Song's arrival.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 2:15pm

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Korean superstar Sung-Mon Song will wear No. 24 for the upcoming season after infielder Will Wagner switched his number from 24 to seven. Seven was last worn in San Diego by Jose Iglesias in 2025, when he produced a 73 wRC+. The Padres giving up his number suggests a reunion with last season's utility man is likely off the table.

Why it matters

The jersey number swap clears the way for the Padres' highly anticipated signing of Korean star Sung-Mon Song, who is expected to provide depth and versatility off the bench. Wagner's number change also signals potential roster moves, as the Padres look to build around their new international acquisition.

The details

Wagner will look to have more success than Iglesias with No. 7 as he fights to make the MLB roster this season. It was a rough 2025 campaign for Wagner, who split time between Triple-A and the majors with the Blue Jays and Padres. In 176 minor league at-bats, he hit five home runs with a 98 wRC+. In 149 MLB at-bats, he failed to homer and posted a 78 wRC+. Despite a mediocre 2025 season, Wagner finished each of his first four minor league campaigns from 2021-24 with a wRC+ above 100.

  • Seven was last worn in San Diego by Jose Iglesias in 2025.
  • Wagner switched his number from 24 to seven for the upcoming 2026 season.

The players

Sung-Mon Song

A Korean superstar who signed a four-year, $15 million deal with the Padres this offseason. He is expected to provide depth and versatility off the bench.

Will Wagner

An infielder who split time between Triple-A and the majors with the Blue Jays and Padres in 2025. He is fighting to make the MLB roster this season and has switched his jersey number from 24 to 7.

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What’s next

Spring training could represent one of Wagner's final chances to earn another opportunity in the big leagues.

The takeaway

The Padres' jersey number swap highlights their commitment to their new Korean star Sung-Mon Song, while also signaling potential roster moves as the team looks to build around their international acquisition.