Padres star Yu Darvish out for 2026 after elbow repair and internal brace

The San Diego Padres were entering the offseason with a huge problem on their hands. Their ace, Dylan Cease, was set to become a free agent when the season concluded, and Michael King was expected to become a free agent, declining his option with San Diego. 

King did just as everybody expected, and now the club is at risk of losing two frontline starters. Now, they must either retain one of these players or search for another formidable arm.

However, the front office will have to search for another arm to help stabilize the rotation with the latest news coming from the Padres' corner. 

Padres star Yu Darvish out for 2026 after elbow repair and internal brace

On Tuesday, the Padres suffered another significant setback. It was announced that Yu Darvish would miss the entirety of the 2026 season after undergoing surgery, via ESPN's Jeff Passan. 

"San Diego Padres starter Yu Darvish will miss the 2026 season after undergoing surgery to repair a flexor tendon and an internal brace in his elbow."

Darvish experienced elbow problems nearly all season long. He began the season on the IL with right elbow inflammation and general fatigue and did not make his debut until July, pitching on a limited basis, making just 15 starts.

Now, he will be out the entirety of next season, pushing the front office to look for yet another arm. With the club having limited funds to spend before reaching the Competitive Balance Tax threshold, this is the last thing the organization wanted to see happen.

More MLB news:

• Giants pressed to retain three-time Cy Young winner over the winter
• Padres urged to re-sign one of their frontline starters in free agency
• Tigers' Gleyber Torres shares update following hernia surgery
• Phillies urged to retain their beloved slugger after career year
• Braves pressed to retain former Gold Glove infielder if he opts out