Padres' 'Best Kept Secret' Could Turn Bullpen Into MLB's Best

David Morgan's strong start to the season has given the Padres' bullpen an added boost.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:10pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fractured motion of a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery, with sharp planes of navy, crimson, and gold overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract representation of the sport.The Padres' bullpen, led by the breakout performance of reliever David Morgan, could be the key to the team's playoff push this season.San Diego Today

The San Diego Padres' bullpen was expected to be a strength this season, and it has lived up to that billing so far. While closer Mason Miller and left-hander Adrian Morejon have led the way, the Padres may have an even bigger secret weapon in right-hander David Morgan, who has been lights out to start the year.

Why it matters

The Padres are relying on their bullpen to carry the pitching staff as they deal with issues in the starting rotation. If Morgan can continue his strong performance, it will give the Padres one of the most formidable bullpens in baseball and a major advantage as they push for a playoff spot.

The details

Morgan, who was not a pitcher when he first started playing baseball, has made a seamless transition to the mound. After making his MLB debut last year, he has appeared in four games so far this season, posting a 0.00 ERA over 5 innings of work. Last year, he had a 2.66 ERA in 41.2 innings. The Padres are encouraged by Morgan's early success and believe he gives them added flexibility and firepower in the bullpen, alongside the likes of Miller, Morejon, Jeremiah Estrada, and the soon-to-return Jason Adam.

  • Morgan made his MLB debut for the Padres in May 2022.
  • So far this season, Morgan has appeared in 4 games for the Padres.

The players

David Morgan

A right-handed relief pitcher for the San Diego Padres who has emerged as a secret weapon in their bullpen, posting a 0.00 ERA over 5 innings to start the 2023 season.

Mason Miller

The Padres' star closer who has been a key part of their strong bullpen.

Adrian Morejon

A left-handed relief pitcher for the Padres who has been a valuable setup man alongside Miller.

Jason Adam

A veteran relief pitcher for the Padres who is expected to return from injury soon and further bolster their bullpen.

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What they’re saying

“Morgan and Bradgley Rodriguez may not have been known commodities around baseball heading into the year, but they could be two of the best relievers in the league's top bullpen by the end of it.”

— Tim Kelly, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

The Padres will continue to rely on their bullpen, led by Morgan, Miller, and Morejon, as they look to overcome issues in their starting rotation and push for a playoff spot.

The takeaway

The Padres' investment in their bullpen is paying off, and the emergence of David Morgan as a secret weapon gives them one of the most formidable relief corps in baseball. If Morgan and the rest of the bullpen can maintain their strong performance, it could be a major factor in the Padres' playoff push.