Padres Sign Veteran Pitcher James Norwood to Minor League Deal

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 22:42 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, UNITED STATES

Padres Gamble on Veteran Arm: James Norwood Signs Minor League Deal

The San Diego Padres, always looking to bolster their pitching depth, have announced the signing of right-handed pitcher James Norwood to a minor league contract, complete with an invitation to big league spring training. This move, revealed on Monday, represents a low-risk, potentially high-reward opportunity for a team seeking consistency in their bullpen. While Norwood's recent performance with the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies wasn't stellar, his World Series experience with the Los Angeles Dodgers makes him an intriguing addition to the Padres' camp.

Norwood, at 32 years old, brings a decade-plus of major league experience to San Diego, having pitched for a remarkable seven different organizations. This journeyman status isn't necessarily a negative; it speaks to his durability and adaptability. He's proven capable of navigating different clubhouses and pitching philosophies. However, his frequent changes of scenery also suggest a challenge in consistently establishing himself as a reliable big league contributor.

The highlight of Norwood's career undeniably remains his time with the 2020 Los Angeles Dodgers. Playing a key role, albeit in a limited capacity, on a championship team is something few pitchers can claim. In 15 games that season, he posted a respectable 3.08 ERA, demonstrating the potential that initially attracted scouts to his skillset. That success, though several seasons ago, is likely a significant factor in the Padres' willingness to offer him another chance.

However, the Padres aren't simply banking on nostalgia. Norwood's struggles in 2023 with both the Red Sox and Phillies raise legitimate questions about his current form. Allowing a combined 17 earned runs in just 21 innings across his stints with both teams is a concerning statistic. He was released by Boston after a brief period, followed by a similar fate in Philadelphia. These releases highlight a dip in performance that the Padres' coaching staff will undoubtedly be focused on addressing during spring training.

The Padres' pitching staff, even after trading away some key pieces in recent years, still features a solid core of starting pitchers. However, the bullpen remains a perpetual work in progress. Consistent, reliable relief pitching is crucial for success in the modern game, and the Padres have been searching for the right mix of arms to complement closer Josh Hader and other established relievers. Norwood provides a veteran presence who, if he can rediscover his 2020 form, could be a valuable asset in late-inning situations.

Competing for a roster spot will be no easy task. Spring training is a fierce competition, and the Padres have several promising young arms vying for the same opportunities. Norwood will need to demonstrate not only that he's regained his command and velocity but also that he can handle the pressure of a major league bullpen. The fact that he's signing a minor league deal indicates the Padres aren't guaranteeing him a spot, offering a clear incentive for him to perform at his peak.

Beyond Norwood, the failed stints with the Red Sox and Phillies provide a cautionary tale for other teams. It underscores the difficulties even experienced pitchers can face when trying to adjust to new environments and regain their form after a decline. Both Boston and Philadelphia are contending teams that were willing to take a chance on Norwood, hoping he could provide a boost to their bullpens. Their quick decisions to release him suggest that his struggles were more than just a temporary slump.

The Padres' gamble on Norwood isn't unprecedented. Teams frequently take chances on veteran players with something to prove, hoping a change of scenery and a focused coaching staff can unlock their potential. If Norwood can tap into the form he displayed with the Dodgers, he could become a valuable contributor for the Padres. However, if he continues to struggle, he'll likely find himself back in the minor leagues, adding another chapter to his already extensive baseball journey.