San Diego Padres: Joe Musgrove destined for free agency

There was hope that the San Diego Padres and Joe Musgrove would come to an agreement on a long term deal. Although the two sides were unable to come to agree during the Padres’ first offer in April, the two sides continued to talk. The hope was that, eventually, an extension would happen.

Those hopes may be gone. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, talks between Musgrove and the Padres have “fizzled.” At this point, it seems likely that he will be heading for free agency this offseason.

San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove eyeing large payday

The Padres’ offer in April was for a reported eight years and approximately $88 million. While it may not have been enough to tempt Musgrove, it was at least able to start the ball rolling. His demands and the Padres’ extension offer were close enough that the two sides felt they could bridge the gap.

Musgrove has done nothing to stunt his demand in free agency. He has posted a 2.25 ERA and a 0.946 WHiP in his 92 innings entering Saturday, striking out 92 batters with 19 walks. He has also cemented his place in Padres’ history, throwing the first no-hitter in franchise history.

If that original extension offer is correct, the Padres will need to add a great deal more to keep him in town. He is considered to be comparable to Kevin Gausman and Robbie Ray when they entered free agency last offseason and should be able to earn a similar contract.

There is a chance that an extension could come together. Until the moment the pen hits the paper and Musgrove signs elsewhere, it is possible he can return to San Diego. And he did express a willingness to stay with the Padres for the long term. However, the Padres are going to need to improve their offer in order for that to happen.

Talks between the San Diego Padres and Joe Musgrove on an extension are reportedly over. He appears to be destined for free agency this offseason.