San Diego Padres
Face of the Franchise
A.J. Preller rumor mill at Winter Meetings
Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...993/a-j-preller-rumor-mill-at-winter-meetings
A.J.Preller
The San Diego Padres announced the signing of a reliever with no major league experience on the first full day of the MLB Winter Meetings. RHP Daison Acosta, 27, signed a 1-year major league contract that teased Padres fans into thinking this could be the start of an active three days.
So far, the article (quoted above) by Kevin Acee in the San Diego Union-Tribune is the most excitement Padres fans have had. The sources (that were not quoted) were presumably industry insiders or members of the organization who were talking out of turn.
WBC news
During the second day of the three-day meeting, the WBC media day brought the announcement of Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis, Jr. as members of the Dominican Republic team. The manager of the Netherlands team, Andruw Jones, confirmed that Xander Bogaerts will play for the Netherlands, from his native Aruba. Nick Pivetta could be joining the Canadian team for the first time. He was invited in 2023, but opted to concentrate on the MLB season.
Pivetta trade?
There was significant conversation around the meetings regarding the possibility of Pivetta being available for trade. That would seem to make no sense, with starting pitching being the Padres’ biggest need.
Jon Morosi, in a conversation with Sammy Levitt of 97.3 The Fan, stated the perceived logic being that Pivetta could bring back prospects that could then be flipped for controllable, younger pitchers and the move would also clear some payroll.
Preller speaks to Padres needs
During his press availability on the second day, Preller was asked about the role of Luis Campusano with the Padres in 2026.
He also had an extended interview with the MLB Network panel, effectively dodging all specific questions regarding the Padres’ plans and sounding like someone who had laid significant groundwork toward future trades or signings.
Preller continued to emphasize the organization’s desire to keep Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon in the bullpen for the 2026 season. Not only do they not want to risk injury to two pitchers who have had past problems, robbing from their area of greatest strength doesn’t make any sense for an organization trying to build strength and not weaken the team.
For the people floating the idea of trading Miller for starting pitching or prospects, that might bring a player or two, but would not clear payroll and the idea of clearing payroll would presumably be an added goal for this offseason.
Draft Lottery and Scouting Award
The MLB 2026 draft lottery was held on Tuesday, with the top spots of the first round awarded based on a lottery draw between the teams with the worst records in 2025. The rules eliminate those who were awarded last year, if they are repeats. The top six picks went to: 1. Chicago White Sox 2. Tampa Bay Rays 3. Minnesota Twins 4. San Francisco Giants 5. Pittsburgh Pirates 6. Kansas City Royals. The Padres will be pick No. 21 in the first round and will have compensatory picks in 2026 because of the qualifying offers to Dylan Cease and Michael King.
Padres’ director of player personnel, Logan White, won West Coast Scout of the Year. He has been one of A.J. Preller’s top lieutenants since joining the organization 10 years ago. Immediately after winning the award, White announced his retirement after 40-plus years in baseball.
The last day of the meetings is highlighted by the Rule V draft and the last minute deals that get in under the wire.
Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...993/a-j-preller-rumor-mill-at-winter-meetings
