The San Diego Padres’ offseason has been defined by who they have not signed.
Pitching phenom Roki Sasaki not only slipped through the Padres’ grasp but signed with the rival Dodgers. Outfielder Jurickson Profar departed in free agency, signing a three-year, $42 million contract with the Braves. Trade rumors have swirled around pitcher Dylan Cease and infielder Luis Arraez. The Padres’ only notable move thus far has been to retain catcher Elias Diaz. Ownership squabbles have turned what could have been a strong offseason into a whimper.
However, there is still time to change the narrative of the offseason. AJ Cassavell from MLB.com reported that Padres general manager A.J. Preller stated that he intends to put “a championship roster” on the diamond. Preller further stated that the Padres need to add at least one additional hitter and pitcher.
The question is where those players will come from with spring training closing in. First baseman Pete Alonso and third baseman Alex Bregman are the top free-agent hitters available but both are not fits for the holes on the roster. Pitcher Jack Flaherty would strengthen a rotation with question marks in the fourth and fifth starter spots but is likely to cost too much.
Preller has been able to find bargains late in the offseason. Profar signed a one-year deal in February and delivered a career year in 2024. The likes of outfielder Randal Grichuk or pitcher Lance Lynn could be the type of budget signing that works out for the Padres. With the right moves, the Padres could be right back in the playoff picture, hoping to finally bring their first championship to San Diego.
