Padres Announce Major Roster Moves Ahead of Opening Day

Veteran infielder Ty France makes the team, while two key players are sent to Triple-A

Mar. 22, 2026 at 12:59pm

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The San Diego Padres have finalized their Opening Day roster, making several notable moves in the process. Veteran infielder Ty France has made the team after signing a minor-league contract in February, while a 30-year-old infielder and a 27-year-old right-hander have been sent to Triple-A after underwhelming springs. The Padres also have a blockbuster trade idea and have continued to trim down their roster with the regular season just around the corner.

Why it matters

The Padres are looking to build on a promising 2025 season and make a deep playoff run in 2026. The roster decisions they make now will have a big impact on their chances of success, so these moves are significant as they finalize their team for Opening Day.

The details

The Padres have made several notable roster moves ahead of the 2026 season. They have informed veteran infielder Ty France that he will make the Opening Day roster after signing a minor-league deal in February. France had a strong spring, hitting .318 with a .912 OPS, 2 home runs, and 12 RBIs. Additionally, the team has sent a 30-year-old infielder and a 27-year-old right-hander to Triple-A after they had underwhelming springs. The Padres have also been linked to a potential blockbuster trade that could help bolster their pitching staff, as they look to fill the void left by the departure of Dylan Cease and the injury to Yu Darvish.

  • The Padres have two more spring training games remaining before the 2026 regular season begins on March 26.
  • France was signed to a minor-league contract on February 16th and could have opted out today if he didn't make the team.

The players

Ty France

A veteran infielder who made his major league debut with the Padres in 2019 after being drafted by the team in 2015. He will begin the 2026 season as a member of the Padres.

Dylan Cease

A former Padres pitcher who has since departed the team.

Yu Darvish

A Padres pitcher who is unfortunately injured and will miss the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“Ty France has made the #Padres Opening Day roster, per @sdutKevinAcee.The veteran infielder has had a great spring, hitting .318 with a .912 OPS, 2 HR and 12 RBI.”

— Pitch Profiler

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Padres are making tough roster decisions as they finalize their team for the 2026 season, with veteran Ty France making the squad and a few key players being sent to the minors. These moves, along with a potential blockbuster trade, will be crucial as the Padres look to build on their 2025 success and make a deep playoff run.