Omar Cruz: Everything you need to know

The Padres re-signed Cruz to a minor-league contract Dec. 18 that includes an invitation to spring training, Alejandra M. Razo of MSN.com reports. Cruz was non-tendered by the Padres in November but has re-upped on a minor-league pact. The lefty permitted two runs over 3.2 innings during his brief stint with the Padres in 2025 and is likely ticketed for Triple-A El Paso to begin the 2026 campaign.

The Padres non-tendered Cruz on Friday. Cruz gave up two runs over 3.2 innings during his brief stint with the Padres in April, but most of his time was spent at Triple-A El Paso, where he put up a 4.75 ERA and 1.58 WHIP over 83.1 innings. He'll now have a chance to join another organization that can offer a clearer path back to the majors, though he likely wouldn't serve as anything more than a middle reliever.

The Padres optioned Cruz to Triple-A El Paso on Wednesday. Cruz got his first big-league call Sunday since being optioned to El Paso on April 5, but the left-hander didn't take the mound during his three-game stint in San Diego. He'll cede his spot on the 26-man roster to make room for Kyle Hart to start Wednesday's game against the Marlins.