Introduction
Jason Kendall Adam, a standout reliever for the San Diego Padres, has carved a unique path through MLB. From bouncing between teams, grappling with injuries, and succeeding via arbitration battles, to cementing his role in San Diego’s bullpen, Adam’s journey is multifaceted. This article dives into his injury history, performance stats, contract details, trade timeline, impact with the Padres, and salary trajectory, offering a full picture of the right-hander’s career as of 2025.
1. Injury History
Major Injury – 2025 Quadriceps Tendon Rupture
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On September 2, 2025, during a game against the Orioles, Adam collapsed while fielding a ground ball, suffering a ruptured quadriceps tendon, an injury expected to sideline him for 6 to 9 months and effectively end his 2025 season.
Previous Injury Concerns
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In 2023, Adam landed on the injured list due to a left oblique strain, missing time late in the season.
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In 2021, he underwent surgery for a dislocated left ankle while with the Chicago Cubs organization.
2. Career Stats & On-Field Performance
Career Overview
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Date of Birth & Physical Profile: Born August 4, 1991, in Omaha, NE; stands 6′3″ and weighs 229 lbs.
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Drafted in the 5th round of the 2010 MLB Amateur Draft by the Kansas City Royals.
MLB Performance by Year (at a glance via Baseball Cube):
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2018–2021: Traded between Royals, Blue Jays, and Cubs; posted mixed results, including a 2.91 ERA in 2019 with Toronto.
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2022 (Rays): Came into his own with a 1.56 ERA, 75 strikeouts over 63.1 innings.
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2023 (Rays): Posted a solid 2.98 ERA across 54.1 innings.
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2024 (combined Rays & Padres):
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Rays: 2.49 ERA in 47 IP.
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Padres: 1.01 ERA across 26.2 IP.
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2025 (Padres): Stellar with 1.61 ERA over 44.2 innings before his injury. Career MLB ERA ~2.69.
3. Contract & Salary Evolution
Contract Timeline
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2025: Signed a 1-year, $4.8 million deal with the Padres, avoiding arbitration.
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2024: Signed a 1-year, $2.7 million deal with Tampa Bay via arbitration (after losing the hearing).
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2023: Won his arbitration case with the Rays and secured $1.775 million.
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2022: Signed a 1-year contract worth $900,000 with Tampa Bay, his first meaningful MLB contract.
Career Earnings Summary
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2025: $4.8M
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2024: $2.7M
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2023: $1.775M
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2022: $900K
Adam’s upward trajectory in earnings reflects his improving performance and securing arbitration victories.
4. Trades & Transactions
Early Career Moves
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2014: Traded from the Royals to the Twins for Josh Willingham.
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Several stints across organizations (Padres minors, Royals second stint, Blue Jays, Cubs). Notable transactions include being non-tendered and re-signed multiple times.
Trade to Padres
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On July 28, 2024, the Tampa Bay Rays traded Jason Adam to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Dylan Lesko, Homer Bush Jr., and J.D. Gonzalez.
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Analysis praised his analytical pitching arsenal, including a high-carry fastball and effective changeup and offspeed offerings.
5. Role with the Padres
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2024: Delivered elite bullpen performance post-trade: 1.01 ERA in 26.2 innings helped reinforce the Padres’ late-season bullpen.
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2025: Continued dominance with sub-2.00 ERA before his injury; compiled 1.61 ERA in 44.2 innings.
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His injury on September 2, 2025, dealt the Padres a major blow, putting his season—and bullpen depth—in jeopardy.
6. Career Earnings & Market Value
Adam’s rising salary trend—from modest pre-arbitration earnings to a multi-million-dollar deal—reflects his growing value as a high-leverage reliever. By 2025, he commanded $4.8 million, with remaining arbitration eligibility through 2026 and free agency in 2027.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Injury | 2025 quad tendon rupture (6–9 months recovery); prior oblique strain and ankle surgery |
| Stats | Career ERA ~2.69; standout seasons in 2022–25 with Rays and Padres |
| Contracts | 2022: $900K; 2023: $1.775M; 2024: $2.7M; 2025: $4.8M |
| Trade History | Traded to Padres in July 2024 for three prospects |
| Padres Role | Key bullpen arm in 2024–25 before season-ending injury |
| Future Status | Injury recovery expected to return in early 2026; free agent in 2027 |
FAQ: Jason Adam
Q: What injury did Jason Adam suffer in 2025 and what’s the outlook?
A: On September 2, 2025, Adam suffered a ruptured quadriceps tendon, expected to require 6–9 months of recovery, ending his 2025 season. Jason Adam injury.
Q: What are Jason Adam’s career MLB stats?
A: He has a career ERA of approximately 2.69, with standout seasons: 1.56 ERA in 2022 (Rays), 1.01 ERA in 2024 (Padres), and 1.61 ERA in 2025 before the injury.
Q: How has Adam’s salary changed over the years?
A:
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2022: $900K
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2023: $1.775M (won arbitration)
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2024: $2.7M (lost arbitration)
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2025: $4.8M (avoided arbitration)
Q: What was the trade that brought him to the Padres?
A: On July 28, 2024, the Padres acquired Jason Adam from the Rays in exchange for Dylan Lesko, Homer Bush Jr., and J.D. Gonzalez.
Q: When is Adam eligible for free agency?
A: He is arbitration-eligible in 2026 and slated to become a free agent in 2027.
Q: What’s next for Jason Adam post-injury?
A: Recovery is expected to keep him out through the end of 2025, with a projected return in early 2026, assuming rehabilitation follows typical timelines.
