If you’ve spent any time at all watching a mid-August baseball game between two teams playing for pride and a better draft pick, you know it can get dry. Fast. But for fans in San Diego, the "dog days" of summer don’t really exist. Why? Because the San Diego Padres announcers treat a Tuesday night blowout like a backyard barbecue with 40,000 of their closest friends.
The chemistry in that booth isn't something you can manufacture in a TV studio. It’s weird, it’s loud, and honestly, it’s the gold standard for Major League Baseball right now.
Don Orsillo and Mark Grant: The Heart of the Padres Broadcast
When the Padres announced in early 2025 that Don Orsillo had signed a massive long-term extension, the city of San Diego breathed a collective sigh of relief. Orsillo is more than just a play-by-play guy; he’s the pulse of the Friar faithful. Since arriving in 2016 to fill the shoes of the legendary Dick Enberg, Don has turned every "paper snap" and "slap hitter" into a viral moment.
Then you have Mark "Mud" Grant. Mud is a human energy drink. A former Padres pitcher who has been in the booth for over 30 years, he provides the technical breakdown of a 12-to-6 curveball one second and then starts talking about his favorite local burrito spot the next.
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Why the "Don and Mud" Dynamic Works
Most broadcast duos follow a strict script: play-by-play man sets the scene, color analyst provides the "why." Don and Mud? They break that mold constantly.
- The Laughter: If Don starts wheezing because Mud said something ridiculous, they don't cut to commercial. They let it ride.
- The Expertise: Don’t let the jokes fool you. These guys know ball. Grant’s ability to predict a pitch sequence is uncanny, and Orsillo’s timing on big calls—like a Jurickson Profar walk-off—is legendary.
- The Loyalty: Orsillo’s messy exit from Boston is well-documented, but his devotion to San Diego is even more obvious. He’s essentially become an honorary San Diegan, fishing from his balcony in Coronado and fully embracing the "Slam Diego" era.
Where to Watch Padres Baseball in 2026
The way we watch sports is changing, and the Padres have been right at the center of that storm. After the whole Bally Sports bankruptcy mess a few years ago, the team moved to an MLB-produced model.
For the 2026 season, things are staying consistent. You can find the games on Padres.TV, which is the team's direct-to-consumer streaming service. It’s pretty straightforward—no blackouts for local fans who subscribe, which was a huge pain point for years. If you’re a cable or satellite user, you’re still looking for the Padres channel on Cox, Spectrum, or DirecTV.
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The Radio Side: Jesse Agler and Tony Gwynn Jr.
While TV gets the most clips on social media, the radio booth is just as elite. Jesse Agler handles the play-by-play with a sharp, intelligent wit that perfectly complements his partner.
Tony Gwynn Jr. brings the weight of the most famous name in San Diego history, but he earns his keep with deep, insightful analysis. He isn't just "the son of a legend." He’s a former big leaguer who sees the game through a modern lens, often breaking down the mental side of hitting in a way that feels accessible to casual fans. They call the games on 97.3 The Fan, and the vibe is a bit more traditional than the TV side, but it never feels stuffy.
The Spanish Language Voice: Eduardo Ortega
We can't talk about San Diego Padres announcers without mentioning Eduardo Ortega. He is an absolute icon.
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Ortega has been with the Padres since 1987. Let that sink in. He’s voiced some of the most historic moments in franchise history for the Spanish-speaking community. His "Está la bola... ¡Se va, se va, se va y no vuelve!" home run call is pure poetry. Alongside former MLB infielder Carlos Hernandez, Ortega ensures that the Padres' massive binational fan base feels every pitch.
A Legacy of Greatness
San Diego has been spoiled. From the "Colonel" Jerry Coleman and his famous "Hang a star on that one!" to the dry wit of Ted Leitner, the voices of the Padres have always been distinct. The current group doesn't just replicate those legends; they honor them by being authentically themselves.
Actionable Tips for Following the Padres Broadcasts
If you want to get the full experience this season, here is how you should navigate the media landscape:
- Get the App: If you live in San Diego, the Padres.TV subscription via the MLB app is the most reliable way to ensure you never miss a game due to blackouts.
- Sync the Audio: Many fans love to mute the TV and listen to Jesse Agler and Tony Gwynn Jr. on the radio. You can actually do this through the MLB app settings to line up the delay.
- Follow the Socials: Don Orsillo and Mark Grant are active on X (formerly Twitter). Following them often gives you a "behind the scenes" look at the booth shenanigans that don't make the air.
- Listen to the Pre-Game: Mike Pomeranz and Mariluz Cook do a fantastic job setting the stage on the TV side. They dive into the analytics that Don and Mud might breeze over during their banter.
The San Diego Padres announcers are a huge reason why the team remains a top draw even when the standings aren't favorable. They make the game fun. In a sport that sometimes takes itself a little too seriously, the crew in San Diego reminds us why we started watching in the first place.
To stay updated on broadcast schedules and special "mic'd up" segments, check the official Padres website or the MLB app daily during the season.