3 Landing Spots for Top Bullpen Lefty Adrian Morejon

After another tremendous season in the San Diego Padres bullpen, left-hander Adrian Morejon received the one-year, $23.15 million qualifying offer from the team. Would he accept that? Unlikely, as some pundits, like Jim Bowden of The Athletic & MLB Network Radio, have the 27-year-old receiving a free agent deal somewhere in the three-year, $45 million range.

He hasn't been a closer in San Diego because they have some guy named Mason Miller, but over the past couple of seasons he's shown he has that lockdown gene. Batters have hit under .200 against him over those two years, while he's held down an ERA in the mid-2.00s. He also posted a 107:28 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 76 innings in 2026.

We take a look at three potential landing spots for Morejon in free agency.

New York Yankees

With their own closer, David Bednar, hitting the free agent market, the Yankees will be in need. Morejon was linked to the Yankees in rumors at this year's trade deadline, and the Bronx Bombers are expected to spend big to beef up the back end of their bullpen. 

Philadelphia Phillies

Long an Achilles heel of the Phillies, the closer spot was finally settled by Jhoan Duran in late 2025 & 2026. But the Phils are prioritizing bolstering their bullpen even further this offseason. Specifically, they've identified a high-leverage left-handed reliever to bridge the gap to Duran. If Morejon is okay being a set-up man rather than getting his first full-time shot at closing, this would be an attractive option.

Chicago Cubs

Mike Axisa of CBS Sports reports that there are already rumblings that Morejon wants to start in 2027, nevermind closing. The Cubs are in need of a rotation overhaul, and they'd certainly like to give the southpaw a shot at it. Morejon could follow in the footsteps of other successful high-leverage relievers who've made the jump to the rotation in recent years, including Michael King, Clay Holmes and Seth Lugo.

And of course, honorable mention: We can never rule out the LA Dodgers for a star reliever on the open market. Following their additions of Tanner Scott and Edwin Diaz in recent years, they could give it another crack.