Yuki Matsui signed with the Padres in 2024 and proved to be an effective and dependable arm out of the bullpen in his first season. He appeared in 64 games and finished with a 3.73 ERA. This was not a surprise to the leadership in San Diego because Matsui had just completed his 10th season in the Nippon Professional Baseball league and finished with a 1.57 ERA with 39 saves for the Tohuku Rakuten Golden Eagles.
There was some talk amongst the Friar Faithful when Matsui signed his deal that he is the closer-in-waiting if current closer Robert Suarez opts out of his contract at the end of 2025 to become a free agent.