Miguel Andujar, Lucas Giolito, and Griffin Canning Become Free Agents

The San Diego Padres have confirmed that Miguel Andujar, Lucas Giolito, and Griffin Canning are now free agents following the decline of their mutual options. Andujar opted out of his $8 million option, receiving a $2.9 million buyout, while the Padres declined their options on Giolito and Canning, who will receive buyouts of $1.5 million and $1.8 million, respectively.

Andujar, who signed a one-year deal worth $4 million last winter, had a season impacted by injury, hitting .259 with five home runs over 254 plate appearances. He primarily served as a designated hitter and returned for the playoffs after a wrist injury. Canning, who had a one-year deal worth $2.5 million, struggled with a 5.68 ERA over 88.2 innings after recovering from an Achilles injury. Giolito faced challenges as well, posting a 5.16 ERA in 29.2 innings before being sidelined by elbow inflammation.

While all three players are now free agents, there remains a possibility for Andujar to return to the Padres, who need depth in left field and at DH. Similarly, Giolito and Canning could be considered for re-signing as the team looks to fill gaps in their pitching staff.