This offseason has been notably quiet for the Padres, a stark contrast to previous years when General Manager A.J. Preller made headlines with significant trades and signings. Last year’s trade of Juan Soto to the Yankees and past high-profile acquisitions like Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts underscore a history of bold maneuvers at these meetings.
Currently, the Padres are eyeing Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki, although they must wait until the 2025 international signing window in January. Despite this timing issue, the Winter Meetings present a chance to address other team needs. Starting pitching remains a priority, with the rotation led by Yu Darvish, Michael King, and Dylan Cease. However, the remaining spots currently occupied by Randy Vásquez and Matt Waldron indicate a necessity for additional arms, especially as Darvish nears the end of his career.
The Padres also seek to bolster their lineup with a reliable corner outfielder, with Jurickson Profar being a potential candidate for re-signing. Nevertheless, alternative options abound on the market should negotiations with Profar not materialize. Moreover, after losing Kyle Higashioka to the Rangers, the team’s catcher position requires reinforcement, as Luis Campusano and Brett Sullivan have yet to secure postseason roles.
While trades remain a potential avenue for filling these gaps, the Padres’ farm system, depleted by previous in-season trades, limits high-value offers. A focus on maintaining current top prospects like Ethan Salas and Leodalis De Vries indicates restraint in trading away key future assets. As Preller often states, the organization remains open to listening to offers, yet firmly values its developing talent.
During the upcoming Rule 5 Draft, the Padres might consider adding new talent, although their current roster structure demands any acquisition to contribute immediately. With seven roster spots available, strategic decisions will dictate which prospects might be chosen, especially as some existing prospects, like catcher Brandon Valenzuela and lefty Jagger Haynes, remain unprotected.
Ultimately, the Padres’ path forward depends on Preller’s approach to balancing immediate needs with future potential. Their recent successful season, culminating in 93 wins, underscores their capability, yet holes remain to be filled. As the meetings unfold, the baseball community will watch closely to see if San Diego can build on its current momentum.
As the Padres enter this critical period, strategic thinking and calculated moves will determine their readiness for the upcoming season. While challenges exist in securing necessary talent, there remains potential for impactful additions that align with both current team dynamics and future aspirations.
Source: MLB
