California whiffs: Padres lose out on star pitcher

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28.02.2026

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California whiffs: Padres lose out on star pitcher

Well, that was a whiff.

The Padres, along with the state of California, struck out when free-agent pitcher Merrill Kelly spurned San Diego to stay in Arizona — even though the Padres dangled a better deal.

The deciding factor?

Punitive California taxes.

“I love San Diego,” Kelly said. “It’s just, like I said, they take too much money out of my pocket, man. The taxes over there are a different level.”

California has long slathered on taxes like so much snake oil from politicians.

Kelly, who inked a two-year, $40 million deal with the Diamondbacks, will save millions on his tax bill in Arizona (2.5% state income tax rate) compared with California (13.3%).

It’s time for Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislators to stop the madness, install spending accountability, and consider meaningful tax relief.

The middle class struggles to afford not only housing, gasoline, energy and groceries, but also onerous taxes.

Meanwhile, the state’s “soak the rich” routine has grown so egregious that the rich are saying sayonara — or declining to sign, play, live or work here in the first place.

It’s a massive talent drain –– driven by reckless policy that serves an elite group of politicians, unions, nonprofits and other special interests while sticking Californians with the bill.

Kelly is not the first athlete to favor no- or low-tax states over the state called Golden; NFL agents and analysts report that steep tax bills deter player signings with clubs like the 49ers, Rams and Chargers.

And who can forget the crazy California tax bill of 2026 Super Bowl champ Sam Darnold?

The QB earned a $178,000 bonus after the Seahawks won it all in Santa Clara — yet owed Sacramento $249,000 for about eight days of Super Bowl-related work in California.

And the trend’s moving the wrong way.

Even as athletes and other stars flee the state, the voracious SEIU-United Healthcare Workers is pushing for a billionaire tax that’s already driven an estimated $1 trillion in wealth out of California.

The insanity needs to stop.

Adults need to step up and reverse course before there’s no one of means left here to tax.

Perhaps Kelly, after shaking off California’s tax signs, can show Sacramento the art of the changeup.

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California whiffs: Padres lose out on star pitcher

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