Adam had been projected by MLBTradeRumors.com to earn $5.3 million via arbitration, so it looks like the Padres actually got a bit of a discount here. The 33-year-old hurler was unbelievable during the 2024 season, registering a scintillating 1.95 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and an 81/23 K/BB ratio across 73 2/3 innings between the Rays and Padres. He’ll open the 2025 season in a setup role in front of closer Robert Suarez and should be the next man up should anything happen to him.

Adam will head to San Diego after procuring a 2.49 ERA and 50/16 K/BB over his 47 appearances with Tampa Bay in 2024. The right-hander has been one of the best high-leverage arms in baseball over the last few seasons, and he should serve as a bridge to Robert Suarez — with a few save chances himself — while a member of the Padres.

In the deal, the Rays will acquire right-handed pitching prospect Dylan Lesko, outfielder Homer Bush Jr. and catcher JD Gonzalez. Adam has been a stalwart of the Tampa Bay bullpen with a 2.30 ERA over 170 appearances since 2022, and he’s registered a 2.49 and 50/16 K/BB over his 47 appearances with the Rays in 2024. He should be a high-leverage option that might see a few save opportunities in the Padres’ bullpen.

Adam was his usual excellent self in this one, dropping nasty sweepers and changeups to make opposing hitters look foolish. His ERA shrunk to a microscopic 1.71, but he only got the save opportunity because Pete Fairbanks threw 28 pitches on Thursday.