John Sears: Everything you need to know

Sears was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Sunday. Sears will head to Triple-A after producing an 8.44 ERA and 1.69 WHIP with 10 strikeouts over 10.2 innings in four appearances, including two starts, with the Padres during spring training. The 30-year-old signed a one-year contract with San Diego in January, and he will now have to earn another shot with the major-league roster down the road.

Sears signed a one-year contract with the Padres on Thursday to avoid arbitration. Sears was a regular part of the Athletics' rotation before being shipped to the Padres in late July, after which point he was sent back and forth between Triple-A and the majors. He ended the 2025 regular season with a 5.04 ERA and 1.32 WHIP -- both career worsts -- across 135.2 innings, and his spot in the Padres' rotation could be shaky if he gets off to a slow start in 2026.

Sears (9-11) allowed two runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out four over 5.2 innings to earn the win over the Diamondbacks on Sunday. Sears got a spot start in the regular-season finale to give the rest of the Padres' starters some rest ahead of the playoffs. This was one of his better performances since being acquired from the Athletics at the trade deadline -- he posted a 5.47 ERA over 24.2 innings in five outings following the trade. Overall, Sears closed the regular season at a 5.04 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 117:36 K:BB across 135.2 innings.