Padres Cut Ties With 25-Year-Old After Signing Griffin Canning

Outfielder Tirso Ornelas was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for the new starting pitcher.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The San Diego Padres have signed right-handed pitcher Griffin Canning to a one-year major league contract, leading them to designate 25-year-old outfielder Tirso Ornelas for assignment. Ornelas had been in the Padres' organization since 2017 and made his MLB debut last season, but was likely let go due to being out of minor-league options.

Why it matters

The Padres' roster moves highlight the difficult decisions teams must make when adding new players, often having to part ways with young prospects who have shown promise but don't fit the current roster needs. Ornelas' situation also demonstrates the challenges minor league players face in securing a long-term spot on an MLB roster.

The details

The Padres signed right-handed pitcher Griffin Canning to a one-year major league contract on Tuesday. To make room for Canning on the 40-man roster, the team designated 25-year-old outfielder Tirso Ornelas for assignment. Ornelas had been in the Padres' organization since 2017 and made his MLB debut last season, going 1-for-14. In the minors, he posted an .833 OPS with 10 home runs in 82 Triple-A games in 2022.

  • The Padres signed Griffin Canning to a one-year contract on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Tirso Ornelas was designated for assignment on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Griffin Canning

A right-handed pitcher who the Padres signed to a one-year major league contract.

Tirso Ornelas

A 25-year-old outfielder who was in the Padres' organization since 2017 and made his MLB debut last season, but was designated for assignment to make room for Griffin Canning on the 40-man roster.

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What’s next

If Tirso Ornelas clears waivers, the Padres can outright him to their Triple-A affiliate, the El Paso Chihuahuas.

The takeaway

The Padres' roster move highlights the difficult decisions teams must make when adding new players, often having to part ways with young prospects who have shown promise but don't fit the current roster needs. Ornelas' situation also demonstrates the challenges minor league players face in securing a long-term spot on an MLB roster.