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[San Diego Padres]

John Seidler thanks the fans

John Seidler

What do you say to a fan base that set an attendance record for the second consecutive season? Who sold out 72 of 81 home games and brought energy Monday through Sunday? When your team disappoints, not achieving the ultimate prize and being eliminated earlier in the playoffs than ever before?

Controlling owner and Chairman John Seidler sent a letter to the Padres fan base on Monday. He thanked the Friar Faithful for their unwavering support and their passion. Here is the letter in full:

October 6, 2025

Dear Faithful Padres Fans,
Thank you for your unwavering and passionate support for the Padres in 2025. Because of you, we set a new all-time franchise attendance record and had the best home field advantage in MLB. You are the engine that powers the Padres and our players. On behalf of the entire Padres organization, we greatly appreciate you. You are the best fans in baseball, and we are grateful for your faithful support.

While we have made the postseason in four of the last six years and had two consecutive 90-win regular seasons for the first time in franchise history, we fell short of our goal to win a World Series Championship. Our elimination in the Wild Card round was a disappointment and exposed areas where we must improve.

As we look ahead to 2026, our goal remains the same, but we need to get better to accomplish that goal. The process of getting better will begin immediately as we perform a thorough review of our organization with an eye towards improving and winning our first World Series Championship.

Thank you again for supporting the Padres and I look forward to seeing you at Petco Park in 2026.
Sincerely,

John Seidler
Chairman
What should we expect?

The overall message seems to be that the Chairman is not satisfied. That is reassuring for those not sure if Mr. Seidler would continue the same path toward the goal his brother, Peter, set for the organization. The late Peter Seidler frequently and passionately voiced his desire for a championship for San Diego. As the controlling partner of the group that owns the Padres, Peter Seidler left no doubt as to how far he would go to reach that goal.

The organization invested heavily in expensive contracts to bring high quality players to the team. He repeatedly approved stretching the payroll, even past the point of sustainability. Given that Peter passed before he could achieve his goal, it’s not surprising that the fans are no longer sure of what the organization intends to do going forward.

It does not appear that John Seidler is as engaged with the fan base as his brother was. We haven’t heard from him since he was introduced after assuming control of the team during Spring Training. But the second paragraph of his letter to the fans could carry encouraging language. If all he did was express joy at making the postseason again and thanked the fans for their support, we should be concerned. Happiness with making the playoffs in four of the past six years would reflect being satisfied with merely competing.

That is not the sentiment I get from this statement. He finishes that paragraph by stating the obvious to all fans, who have paid attention this season. This team had some serious shortcomings, despite it having many of the same players as the better-performing team of 2024. There was only a three-win difference between the final totals, but it sure didn’t feel that way. The lack of situational hitting and slug led to prolonged offensive slumps. They also had a hard time winning on the road, away from Petco Park.

If asked, I would tell Mr. Seidler that the Petco Park offensive approach worked pretty well in Petco Park. Their record at home was 52-29. They did not carry that over to the road. Their approach away from home achieved a record of 38-43.

One of those improvements needs to be a different offensive approach. The Padres had the third worst home run total in baseball with 152. The lack of slug really showed when they were playing from behind. Using small ball to score runs works well when the other team doesn’t score a lot of runs. When you have to make up ground or need to get ahead to support a shaky pitcher, the long ball with runners on base gives the pitcher a buffer and lets the whole team play looser. The Padres bunted more than anyone else in baseball, playing for one run.

In the third paragraph of his message to the fans, Mr. Seidler stated the goal is the same as before, a World Championship. He also acknowledges the team must get better to achieve that goal. His process to accomplish that begins with an organizational-wide assessment of where that improvement needs to take place.

I will note that there have been reactions all over Friar Nation to this letter. While listening to the Padres flagship station (97.3 FM), while they and their listeners reacted, it seems many expected a firing of President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller and/or manager Mike Shildt. Although that is often the direction that things go when people are upset, I am going to guess that is not what happens here.

The Padres have two seasons in a row of 90 wins or more. Preller shocked baseball with what was widely considered to be one of the most impressive trade deadlines ever. They have a system and a leadership base in place and changing that would almost definitely close the Padres’ window of contention, while the organization shifted gears.

To me, the obvious answer is to change the offensive philosophy, while working toward adding another bat capable of slugging the baseball. This could mean the end of the Padres tenure for Luis Arraez. As much as the Friar Faithful enjoys his passion and energy, Arraez is a singles hitter. He works hard, cares a lot and seems to be a great teammate, but he is too one-dimensional.

This team needs to get back to situational hitting, getting runners on and getting them in. Their approach with runners in scoring position was abysmal. As a team, they hit .252 with runners in scoring position with the fourth worst slug in that situation. Not surprisingly, the Toronto Blue Jays rank near the top in both categories.

Anyone who watched the team this season knows what needs to be fixed. We all hope that the controlling partner and his front office can figure out how to fix it.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/gaslamp-ball-staff-editorials/50754/john-seidler-thanks-the-fans

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Letter to Padres fans leaves room for interpretation

https://www.gaslampball.com/gaslamp-ball-staff-editorials/50754/john-seidler-thanks-the-fans (Cheri Bell – Gaslamp Ball)

https://www.mlb.com/padres/news/padres-roster-questions-for-2026-season (AJ Cassavell – Padres.com)

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.co...diegans-fared-in-the-big-leagues-this-season/ (John Maffei – U-T)

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/10/06/2026-arbitration-projections-for-seven-padres/ (Jeff Sanders – U-T)

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...to-padres-fans-leaves-room-for-interpretation

 

[San Diego Padres]

The Padres’ approach to key opt-out decisions

It is hard to imagine that Major League Baseball’s postseason is just a week old. Unfortunately, in the blink of an eye, the San Diego Padres were eliminated in the Wild Card round. Now, decisions loom for the organization on the future of Robert Suarez, Michael King and Ramon Laureano with the ballclub.

Each player has an opt-out clause in their contract that can be exercised five days after the World Series has concluded. There is no guarantee that Suarez, King or Laureano will be wearing the brown and gold in 2026.

Neither the Padres nor the players have said much about the impending decision. Honestly, all involved will stay silent until the deadline nears. But that does not stop us from drawing our own conclusions. Each decision will have a dramatic impact on how the Friars operate in the offseason.

Suarez is expected to opt-out of his contract​

Suarez holds a player option for the final two years of his deal. He is owed $16 million in salary, with incentive clauses that could add $9 million to the final total. Still, the speculation all season was that Suarez would exercise his opt-out clause and test the free agent market.

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You sense the 34-year-old (35 in March) closer is seeking one final payday after recording 40 saves this past season. Clearly, the Padres acquired Mason Miller at the trade deadline in preparation for him to become the team’s next closer. The move negated any hope of Suarez receiving a multi-year contract extension from the team. If he walks, the front office could allocate those financial resources elsewhere in improving the roster.

The hope is King remains a top-tier starter in the rotation​

King’s decision remains in question, as he holds a $15 million mutual option for the 2026 season. The deal comes with a $3.75 million buyout, but the Friars have not been shy about their desire to sign King to a long-term contract extension. However, the agreement may need to include incentive clauses to prevent the franchise from exceeding the luxury tax threshold.

Complicating matters was the reason why his performance level declined after sustaining a pinched nerve in his right shoulder in May. Before the injury, King was establishing himself as the team’s No. 1 starter. He had a 4-2 record with a 2.59 ERA in 10 starts.

After returning on Aug. 9, King was placed back on the injury list due to knee irritation. Upon his return to the rotation, his ERA rose from 2.59 to a season-ending 3.44. Poor second-half starts and missing significant time due to multiple injuries may cause other teams to pause their pursuit of him this offseason.

However, the Padres have not forgotten the intangibles associated with King. Whether it is him coming back on the mound sooner than expected or appreciating his professionalism in knowing his role on the team. The Friars are better when King is at the top of the starting rotation.

Could the Friars have a void in LF?​

Another difficult decision is the $6.5 million club option on Laureano. A fractured finger caused him to miss the postseason. His absence caused the Padres to shuffle their outfield alignment against the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card round. If the organization decides to move on from Laureano, it will leave a huge void in left field and at the bottom of the batting order.

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The Friar Faithful will need to let the opt-out decisions play out. Some may want to bring all back for another year, but that is financially impossible. Either way, it is expected to be a busy offseason in the Gaslamp Quarter this winter.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/gaslamp.../the-padres-approach-to-key-opt-out-decisions

 

[San Diego Padres]

San Diego makes first move of offseason, signs Lan-Hong Su

The San Diego Padres have made their first move of the offseason with the signing of Lan-Hong Su, an 18-year-old right-handed pitcher out of Taiwan, to a minor league contract. He is listed at 6-1, 150 pounds and has been assigned to the Padres Brown in the Dominican Summer League.

We have agreed to terms with Taiwanese right-handed pitcher Lan-Hong Su. pic.twitter.com/TpuUA4MzEI

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) October 9, 2025

MLB Pipeline on X provided details about the signing and added information on where Su ranks on the Top 30 Prospects List.

18-year-old Taiwanese right-hander Lan Hong-Su signed with the @Padres for $775,000.

Here's where he lands on San Diego's Top 30 Prospects list: https://t.co/ifJZhMI9BN pic.twitter.com/pCTx96lcNi

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) October 9, 2025

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...kes-first-move-of-offseason-signs-lan-hong-su

 

[San Diego Padres]

2025 Padres year-in-review

The 2025 San Diego Padres team photo (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

It started with a series of minor league free agent signings with Gavin Sheets, Yuli Gurriel and Jason Heyward committing to one-year deals. On the first day of Spring Training the San Diego Padres signed former Boston Red Sox pitcher, Nick Pivetta. With a tight budget and prices for players skyrocketing, Head of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller back-filled a depleted roster and hoped a few things hit.

Two things did hit. At least, two players did. Both Pivetta and Sheets tore through the spring and started the season as surprise standouts for the organization. Although the other free agent signings, as well as 1B/OF Connor Joe, eventually left the team, the two who started hot, thrived through the whole season.

Lots of other things didn’t go well, though. Starters Yu Darvish and Michael King never really got going because of injury and ended the season with inflated ERA numbers. Dylan Cease was inconsistent and inefficient with most of his performances.

Struggling offense

Then there was that offense. Despite being the same core players as last year, this group never could sustain any real success. Jackson Merrill was injured three different times, while Jake Cronenworth and Xander Bogaerts missed time with injuries. The team struggled in the bottom of the order without a catcher who could hit. Luis Arraez had his worst season as a professional.

Their stops and starts showcased one constant, they had trouble slugging and hitting with runners in scoring position. That was a thorn in their side the whole season.

Despite all of that, they were a talented group of players and ended up winning 90 games, three games back of the division-winning Los Angeles Dodgers. Taking the second Wild Card spot, the Padres showed in the three-game series with the Chicago Cubs exactly the issues that hamstrung them through the season. They scored five runs over the three games, while their pitching staff allowed six runs to the Cubs.

But, oh, that bullpen

The pitching was good all year, despite lots of issues with the starting rotation. The bullpen carried this team, saving game after game and holding their opponents to low scores for many games when the offense was inefficient.

Wasted opportunity could be the theme for this team in 2025. With a skilled roster and excellent bullpen pitching, they could have gone far. Instead, it was the earliest playoff elimination in organizational history. The roster remains very much the same for next year. Trade deadline acquisition Ramón Laureano fills the hole in left field and is a potent right-handed bat. He has another year of control for the team.

While the starters will need some supplementation if King and Cease walk, Joe Musgrove should be back and Randy Vasquez has shown improvement over the 2024 season. Darvish remains a question mark with his aging elbow and Preller will need to be creative if the payroll remains in the same range as this year. Although large contracts are off the books, raises to big contract holders offset some of that.

Taking the disappointment out of the end result, the bones remain for a winning team. Preller has already shown he knows how to build on a budget. Assuming the disappointment expressed by controlling owner John Seidler in his season-ending letter doesn’t result in mass changes, Preller should have the ability to build an even better team next season.

The biggest question that remains is how to fix the offense. The Padres had the same hitting coach the past two years. Runs weren’t a problem until the last series of the ‘24 season, when the Dodgers shut the Padres down. The same problem was present for the whole season in 2025 and an inability to slug joined it. Figure out that problem and then look forward to next year.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-diego-padres-analysis-commentary/50783/2025-padres-year-in-review

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Decisions loom for Padres this offseason

The Padres’ approach to key opt-out decisions (Thomas Conroy – Gaslamp Ball)

What’s next for Padres’ rotation, ‘pen and more? (AJ Cassavell – Padres.com)

What will the Padres focus on after being exposed in playoff series loss to Cubs? (Kevin Acee – U-T)

‘More eyeballs on you:’ Cameras, iPads, the pitch clock feed MLB’s growing pitch-tipping paranoiaLong sleeves, chewing gum, and fake tells for hitters seeking an edge — it’s all tradecraft in the secret battle raging within every game.Andy McCullough, Dennis Lin and more216 (Andy McCullough, Dennis Lin and More – The Athletic)

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...iego-decisions-loom-for-padres-this-offseason

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres nearing end of international signing period

Lan-Hong Su and Yu Darvish | MLB/Padres

In January of 2025, the San Diego Padres believed themselves to be in the running for the top international prospect, Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki. That ended up not being the case, but the organization pivoted quickly and signed three of the top forty remaining prospects.

With their $6.26 million bonus pool allotment, the Padres signed 17-year-old Dominican shortstop Jhoan De La Cruz for $1 million, 17-year-old LHP Carlos Alvarez for $1 million (also out of the Dominican Republic), and 17-year-old Venezuelan shortstop Deivid Coronil for $900,000. They were listed as the # 21, #39 and #35 prospects available, respectively.

After locking up those top prospects, the Padres signed Venezuelan outfielder Sebastian Pena for $600,000 and Venezuelan shortstop Yonaiker Hernandez for $100,000. Dominican right hander Miguel Ledesma signed for $25,000, Mexican right hander Jesus Castro (brother of Padres minor league pitcher Manuel Castro) for $10,000 and Mexican switch-hitting infielder Santiago Vargas for $10,000. There were multiple other international players, who signed without receiving a signing bonus.

After their January signs, the Padres still had approximately $2.5 million left for the rest of the signing period. All signings have to take place between Jan. 15- Dec. 15, 2025.

Shortly after losing Game 3 of the Wild Card Series to the Cubs, the Padres announced their latest international signing. Taiwanese RHP Lan-Hong Su, 18 years old, signed for $750,000 and came to San Diego this past week to meet with Padres President of Baseball Operations, A.J. Preller and was also photographed with Yu Darvish. Su appeared in September’s 18U Baseball World Cup for Chinese Taipei and pitched a total of 7.1 innings as their closer. He had 14 strikeouts to three walks with a 2-0 record and 2.46 ERA.

We have agreed to terms with Taiwanese right-handed pitcher Lan-Hong Su. pic.twitter.com/TpuUA4MzEI

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) October 9, 2025

Su is expected to be developed as a starter and currently highlights a 90-94 mph fastball with an 80-83 mph slider and a split-change. He is currently 6-foot-2 and 155 pounds with room to grow and develop further.

There remains around $2 million left in the Padres pool for future signings, but they must conclude their international class before Dec. 15.

Focus Taiwan, an English language news outlet, revealed that Su will be assigned to the DSL Padres Brown and will wear #11 after his idol, Darvish.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/minors/50829/padres-nearing-end-of-international-signing-period

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Padres still have international money to spend, but deadline is approaching

https://www.gaslampball.com/minors/50829/padres-nearing-end-of-international-signing-period (Cheri Bell – Gaslamp Ball)

https://www.mlb.com/padres/news/padres-roster-questions-for-2026-season (AJ Cassavell – Padres.com)

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.co...r-half-measures-as-padres-look-ahead-to-2026/ (Tom Krasovic – U-T)

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6707397/2025/10/10/phillies-orion-kerkering-pitcher-error-response/ (Rustin Dodd – The Athletic)

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...al-money-to-spend-but-deadline-is-approaching

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Padres need to find solution at first base

https://www.gaslampball.com/gaslamp...ust-look-for-permanent-solution-at-first-base (Matt DeWalt – Gaslamp Ball)

https://www.mlb.com/padres/news/padres-2025-arizona-fall-league-storylines (AJ Cassavell – Padres.com)

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.co...r-half-measures-as-padres-look-ahead-to-2026/ (Tom Krasovic – U-T)

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6709526/2025/10/12/alcs-staff-predictions-blue-jays-mariners/ (The Athletic MLB Staff – The Athletic)

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...go-padres-need-to-find-solution-at-first-base

 

[San Diego Padres]

Mike Shildt retires as Padres manager

Mike Shildt

The manager that led the Padres to two successful, back-to-back seasons of 90 wins or more has announced his retirement from the position. Mike Shildt issued the following statement in a surprise announcement for the MLB organization:

It is with a heavy but full heart that I am announcing my retirement from managing the San Diego Padres,” the letter began.

“It is a decision that I thought about during the season and became at peace with over the last 10 days. I gave every fiber of my being to help achieve Peter Seidler’s vision of bringing a World Series Championship to San Diego. We fell short of the ultimate goal, but I am proud of what the players, staff and organization were able to accomplish the last two seasons.

The grind of the baseball season has taken a severe toll on me mentally, physically and emotionally. While it has always been about serving others, it’s time I take care of myself and exit on my terms.

I am extremely appreciative to the Padres, Peter Seidler, the Seidler family, Erik Greupner, AJ Preller and staff for the trust and confidence to lead this team. I’m confident I left things in a better place.

However, I am most grateful for our players. San Diego is rightfully proud of the Padres players. It is a group that conducts themselves with class, is dedicated to each other and the common goal of winning a World Series. I love our players and will miss them dearly!!

After 34 years of dedicating myself to the rigors of coaching and managing, I can with great enjoyment look back on achieving my two primary goals: To help players get the most out of their God given ability and become better men. Also, to win games. I move forward with a smile on my face, contentment in my soul and genuine excitement for what God has next.

To the Friar Faithful, thanks for all the support and keep rocking Petco Park. It’s the best home field advantage in Major League Baseball. The team is on its way to that World Series Championship you so deserve.

Respectfully,

Shildty

The San Diego Padres also released a statement minutes after the letter from Mike Shildt was released:

Statement from Padres President of Baseball Operations & GM A.J. Preller on the Retirement of Manager Mike Shildt: pic.twitter.com/hr6cWoUsP6

— Padres PR (@PadresPR) October 13, 2025

San Diego Union-Tribune beat writer, Kevin Acee, wrote that the decision was Shildt’s alone and he notified the team of his decision on Saturday. This seems to be a direct result of the wear and tear of a grinding MLB season. Although Shildt has been successful as an MLB manager over his four seasons and two teams (Padres and St. Louis Cardinals), he had a two-year break between the two jobs. He discussed the trauma that he had to recover from after being fired from his job with the Cardinals.

Shildt is widely regarded as a player’s manager. He lives and dies with his team and his players. The grind of the season and the demands of 162 games is not for everyone. Despite his obvious skill at the job, Shildt seems to be unsuited to that stress.

Shildt was the fourth manager hired by AJ Preller after he inherited Bud Black when taking the job of General Manager. Black was followed by Andy Green (2017-2019), Jayce Tingler (2020-2021), Bob Melvin (2022-2023) and then Shildt (2024-2025).

The search for a new manager should include multiple internal options already with the organization. Pitching coach Ruben Niebla could be high on that list, as well as bench coach Brian Esposito. There are also multiple members of Preller’s staff, who could be candidates.

It is unlikely that this process will take a long time as Preller and the organization will want to minimize any chaos associated with a lack of on-field leadership, even during the offseason. Although surprising to much of the Friar Faithful, not all will be unhappy that the Padres will hire a new on-field leader.

Shildt’s old school approach, though ultimately good for two winning seasons, does not seem to play well in the postseason. The lack of execution with runners in scoring position, the proclivity to lots of bunting and insufficient slug will need to be addressed by the new leadership.

The Padres start to the offseason is off with a bang.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...y/50854/mike-shildt-retires-as-padres-manager

 

[San Diego Padres]

Managers Padres should, should not consider

San Diego Padres Manager Mike Shildt shocked the Friar Faithful, and the baseball world, with an announcement Monday that he was stepping down and retiring from the position after back-to-back 90-win seasons in San Diego. Shildt had a contract that would have kept him on the top step of the dugout until 2027, but in a statement to the San Diego Union Tribune, he cited the physical and emotional toll on him as his reason for leaving.

“The grind of the baseball season has taken a severe toll on me mentally, physically and emotionally. While it has always been about serving others, it’s time I take care of myself and exit on my terms.”

The Padres said in a statement the search for the next manager in San Diego will begin immediately. With that in mind, I have put together some names of managers I think the Padres SHOULD consider and some they SHOULD NOT.

The Padres SHOULD consider Benji Gil:

Gil was in the running for the managerial position in 2023 before Shildt got the job. He has major league experience and won the World Series in 2002 as a player with the then Anaheim Angels. Gil later served as a coach with the Angels and has was the manager of Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic in 2023. He is set to lead the team again in 2026. Gil attended Castle Park High School in Chula Vista and knows what a World Series title would mean to the City of San Diego.

The Padres SHOULD consider Phil Nevin:

Nevin was most recently the manager of the Los Angeles Angels in 2022 and 2023. He also coached in the New York Yankees system and he was a major league player, who spent time in San Diego. Nevin spent six-plus seasons as a Padre and is from California. Having played in San Diego, Nevin, like Gil, knows how important it is to win a championship for America’s Finest City.

The Padres SHOULD consider Ruben Niebla:

Niebla has been the pitching coach in San Diego since 2021 and was in the Cleveland Guardians organization as an assistant pitching coach prior to joining the Padres. Niebla has received rave reviews from coaches and players alike, and seems to have the support of the fans as well. There is rarely a time that the Friar Faithful voice their displeasure with the job Niebla has done since coming to San Diego. He, like Gil and Nevin, has ties to Southern California and of these three, Niebla may have the best idea of what the team needs to hoist its first World Series trophy.

The Padres SHOULD NOT consider Bruce Bochy:

Bochy was the manager for the 1998 Padres team that reached the World Series. He will always be beloved in San Diego for the time he spent here and the accomplishments he had, BUT exes are exes for a reason. Granted, a lot of time has passed since Bochy last held the title of Manager for San Diego, and yes, he has won multiple titles in San Francisco and another in Texas, but his time as a manager appears to be limited. He left the game after his time in San Francisco and was coaxed back by Chris Young and the Texas Rangers, and if he were to be given the chance to return to San Diego, I think it would result in the Padres having to do another managerial search in a couple years.

The Padres SHOULD NOT consider Ozzie Guillen:

Guillen was a candidate for the position in 2021 and was talked about in 2023, but never interviewed. His stops with the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins often resulted in more focus on the manager and his antics than on the team. The Padres are not that far removed from a season that was riddled with rumors and speculation about clubhouse chemistry and player and organizational relationships. I think giving Guillen the keys to the Padres roster would only result in a slow and disappointing erosion of the chemistry that seems to have been a part of the San Diego clubhouse the past two years.

The Padres SHOULD NOT consider Ryan Flaherty:

There was a lot of talk about Flaherty and his relationship with third baseman Manny Machado when he was the Padres Bench Coach. Additionally, he was a part of the 2023 coaching staff that allowed what was arguably the most talented roster in baseball to underachieve and disappoint before ultimately missing the playoffs. I will say he was not the one in charge or the one “calling the shots,” but he was a part of it just the same.

As of this writing there are eight vacant managerial positions in MLB, the Padres, Angels, Atlanta Braves, Giants, Washington Nationals, Baltimore Orioles, Colorado Rockies and Minnesota Twins. There will be a number of options and some competition for the top candidates, and San Diego should be a top job among those vacancies. The sooner San Diego makes its hire, the better, but even with urgency, the Padres need to select the right person leading the team.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/gaslamp...69/managers-padres-should-should-not-consider

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres managerial options for 2026

Ruben Niebla | MLB

During the time that Peter Seidler was the controlling partner for the San Diego Padres, the word stability became a consistent theme in his public interviews. Seidler wanted to build an organization based on excellence and winning and he felt stability was an important path to success.

With the announcement on Monday that manager Mike Shildt was retiring from the Padres, the organization once again faces a time of instability. They have done a good job of minimizing the fallout of the lawsuit over ownership control and returned the focus to the product on the field. It helps that the product on the field has won 90 games or more the past two seasons. The lawsuit has gone into the background, an issue for lawyers and the courts to decide.

Now the whole organization has a more pressing problem to deal with. Not only are they missing an on-field manager, but the head of their baseball operations, A.J. Preller, is entering the last year of his contract.

Extend Preller

Does it make sense to hire a manager when the general manager is facing his last season with the organization? Anyone interviewing for the job would be reasonable if he was worried about his security with the head of baseball operations possibly changing the year after his job began.

The most reasonable and stabilizing option would be to settle the future of the general manager first. Extending Preller would be a logical first step in the process. Baseball is a business, and businesses do not like controversy or unanswered issues. If the Padres intended on firing Preller, they would have done it by now. Most firings take place right after a team has ended its season. The only teams not involved in these blood baths are the teams involved in the playoffs.

It seems obvious that Preller is keeping his job. If that is the case, then he needs his contract settled so that whoever gets the manager position has a stable base to work from. He will know who the front office is comprised of and won’t be worried about his future being dependent on a change in baseball operations.

For those hoping that Preller goes, the evidence is not on your side. He made his zoom appearance on Tuesday morning for the postseason presser. Although he didn’t detail any contract discussions, he expressed his love for San Diego and the organization and his desire to stay. Considering the team has been to the playoffs four out of the last six years and is coming off back-to-back 90 wins seasons, there is little support for firing based on lack of success. World Championships are not easy to come by and the team is best served by maintaining continuity in order to achieve the goal.

The willingness that Preller has shown to deal prospects in order to obtain major league talent is the biggest criticism most have to support dismissing him. It is true that financial sustainability is best served with a mix of homegrown players and free agents. It is also true that handing out multi-year and big money contracts will hamstring a mid-to-low market team like the Padres. That being said, Preller has shown a remarkable ability to build and sustain a winning roster without hanging on to most of his prospects. Until that approach fails, it seems we, as fans, should enjoy what we have.

Prompt action is needed

The search for a manager needs to happen as quickly as possible. There are eight teams that have vacancies. The Padres are the only team of the group with a winning record and a history of recent success. This job should be highly desired by anyone who wants a winning situation. Rebuilding is a painful and tedious job that the person hired for this position will not have to endure. That can’t be said for many of the other available managerial positions.

Managerial options

Of the teams searching for managers only the Texas Rangers have filled their position and they did that quickly. After Bruce Bochy and the team agreed that he would not be returning, Skip Schumaker was soon announced as his replacement.

Of the many candidates that have been mentioned for the available positions, several are good candidates for the Padres. Preller stated in his Tuesday morning presser that a list of candidates is being formed immediately. The organization has both internal and external options. Here are a few of the most likely considerations.

Internal

Ruben Niebla – The Padres pitching coach has expressed a desire to manage and would seem an obvious candidate. He knows the organization, the players and already has a relationship with Preller. He seems to be respected by everyone around him and the Padres pitchers have all raved about his communication skills. His biggest drawback is a lack of managerial experience. Can a rookie manager be successful with this team?

Scott Servais – The former manager of the Seattle Mariners is a special assistant in the organization and has nine years managerial experience with Seattle. He is also familiar with the workings of the team and has a relationship with Preller.

Brian Esposito – The bench coach for the Padres worked closely with Shildt during this past season and took over when Shildt was ejected from games. Again, a steady choice who is familiar with the organization and has a relationship with the players and Preller.

Mark Loretta – Former Padres player and current special assistant in the organization, Loretta was a bench coach with the Cubs in 2019 and has been with the Padres front office since 2022.

A. J. Ellis – A former Padre and member of the Padres front office, Ellis has been a long-time member of the Padres staff and in 2024 accepted a position that has him as an on-field evaluator in a more hands-on role with the players.

External

Ryan Flaherty – A former bench coach with the Padres under Bob Melvin, Flaherty has been the bench coach for the Cubs the past two seasons. He interviewed for the Padres managerial job when Shildt was selected and was thought to be a finalist at that time.

David Ross – A former Padre, Ross was the Cubs manager for four seasons until he was let go in favor of Craig Counsell. He has also been mentioned as a candidate for the Atlanta Braves job.

Phil Nevin – A former Padre and the former manager of the Anaheim Angels, Nevin has managed at the minor league and major league levels since leaving his playing career.

Other possibilities: Rocco Baldelli was fired from his managerial job with Minnesota at the end of the season. Nick Hundley, a former Padre, has been interviewed for the San Francisco Giants position. Brandon Hyde was fired from the Baltimore Orioles at the end of their season. Albert Pujols is rumored to be the front runner for the Anaheim Angels managerial position. Bruce Bochy is 70 years old and does not seem to fit the criteria that Preller has mentioned. He stated in his presser on Tuesday that they want someone who can be with the organization long term and provide consistency and stability. Bochy will be an automatic election to the Hall of Fame when he is eligible, but is not a long-term solution as a manager for the Padres.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...tary/50884/padres-managerial-options-for-2026

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres Reacts Survey: San Diego will have many suitors for managerial position, is it time for Ruben Niebla to get his shot?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Padres fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Ruben Niebla has been a member of the San Diego Padres organization since 2021 and has been credited with helping players like Seth Lugo and Michael King transition from relievers to starting pitchers, and with helping Blake Snell win his second Cy Young Award in 2023. Niebla has proven that he knows how to get the best out of his pitchers, but would he be able to do the same for the rest of the San Diego roster?

With Mike Shildt announcing his retirement as manager of the Padres, the team has a hole to fill and will need to fill it with a manager who can get San Diego back to the postseason in 2026. Niebla would be a first-time MLB manager, which could be seen as a negative, BUT he has been with the team and in the clubhouse, he is familiar with the players and they are familiar with him. Niebla also knows A.J. Preller and the front office, and the transition from pitching coach to manager should be relatively easy to make happen.

The question with making Niebla the manager is his ability to get more from the lineup. No matter who San Diego selects to lead the team, the offense will have to improve. If he can convince Padres ownership, and Preller, that he has a plan to make necessary changes to the offensive approach and improve production, it may be time to allow him to lead the team.

The alternative is another candidate gets the position with the Padres and Niebla gets an opportunity with one of the other seven teams looking for a manager. If he is not selected as the manager of another team, he could be let go by the new manager, who wants to bring in his own people. It is possible that another manager is selected and Niebla is retained, but if he wants the job and does not get it, he may not want to stay in San Diego.

Gaslamp Ball would like to know if you, the Friar Faithful, would select Niebla above all others to lead the Padres in 2026 and beyond.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/gaslamp...n-is-it-time-for-ruben-niebla-to-get-his-shot

 

[San Diego Padres]

Bochy to Padres: 4x World Series champion could be the difference

San Diego is still reeling from the surprise retirement announcement of Mike Shildt as the Padres manager. The organization stated the search for a new skipper will begin immediately. But it should start and end with the hiring of Bruce Bochy. His experience and proven track record make him the ideal choice for a team whose window of postseason opportunity is slowly closing.

The Return of Boch​

It would be a second tour of duty for Bochy with the Friars. He managed the team from 1995 to 2006, leading the Padres to four National League West division titles and one World Series appearance. His name is all over the Padres managerial section (wins and games managed) of the franchise record book.

Success came elsewhere, as Bochy won four World Series titles with the San Francisco Giants (2010, 2012, 2014) and the Texas Rangers (2023). He is one of three managers to win a World Series in both leagues. His teams are 17-4 in playoff series-clinching games and a perfect 6-0 in series elimination games. Cooperstown is getting his spot ready as a Hall-of-Fame manager once he officially hangs up the uniform.

Friars’ veteran roster could excel under Bochy​

It will be liberating, in a way, for Bochy to manage a veteran roster like the one constructed in San Diego. The lineup is void of rookies, who are prone to making mistakes. Instead, it is a veteran lineup that takes the field with the same mentality: compete until the final out.

Bochy expects his teams to be fundamentally sound in the field, well-prepared to play each night, and have great on-field chemistry with one another. His inability to trust a rookie with a prominent role in the lineup has been a source of criticism, as Bochy consistently favors a proven veteran over an unknown talent. He prefers to invest in building a bond with experienced players. Bochy believes creating a winning culture will be beneficial for rookies to reach their full potential.

The math is pretty simple for success: the confidence shown allows the players to come through in crucial moments in games.

The Padres’ inconsistent offense will be a challenge for him. Bochy will need to find ways to capitalize on potential scoring opportunities and eliminate the threat of the lineup falling into prolonged batting slumps.

Calming demeanor in the dugout​

If you observe him, Bochy has a calming demeanor in the dugout. He sits on the bench with his arms folded on most nights. Bochy is not watching the game; he is assessing what is taking place. It could be something small and insignificant, but his observations could help to gain an advantage later in the contest.

For his managerial career, Bochy has consistently maintained a strong working relationship with his pitching coaches. Ruben Niebla will not have a lesser role in the next managerial regime, as he has been instrumental in the team’s recent success. He has consistently developed quality pitching staffs since his arrival in 2022.

Bochy knows how to handle a bullpen. His Giants championship teams were pitching-dominant. Being a former catcher, he understands that the demands of the position take a toll on the body.

Bochy prefers situational matchups that will dictate which reliever comes into the contest rather than using a set order out of the pen. He staggers his relievers’ appearances, which allows them to remain effective all season.

Bochy has spent over 40 years as a player and manager in the majors. To last that long, you need to adapt to the ever-changing world of Major League Baseball. Bochy embraces the use of analytics and partners the information with his own adjustment ideas based on the flow of the game.

Clock is ticking on Padres and Bochy​

The clock is ticking on the Padres’ veteran core, as they played October baseball in three of the last four seasons. But no World Series appearances for their effort. Now, this group is heading into the back nine of their playing career.

Bochy can lessen the pressure of the “win now” mandate that will ring loudly once the team gathers in Peoria for Spring Training. He will deflect the pressure by answering all of the media questions once they gather in the clubhouse. His actions help to build trust and a connection with the team.

Yes, there are concerns about his energy level to last the grind of another baseball season because of his age (70). But Bochy’s success with Texas shows he can lead a team to the sport’s ultimate prize.

If Bochy sends a signal to the Padres, the organization had better respond with a job offer.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/gaslamp...world-series-champion-could-be-the-difference

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Life after Mike Shildt remains hot topic for Padres; Fernando Tatis Jr. nominated for award

https://www.gaslampball.com/awards/...-nominated-for-2025-rawlings-gold-glove-award (Matt DeWalt – Gaslamp Ball)

https://www.gaslampball.com/gaslamp...n-is-it-time-for-ruben-niebla-to-get-his-shot (Matt DeWalt – Gaslamp Ball)

https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...tary/50884/padres-managerial-options-for-2026 (Cheri Bell – Gaslamp Ball)

https://www.mlb.com/padres/news/what-s-next-for-padres-after-mike-shildt-s-retirement (AJ Cassavell – Padres.com)

https://www.mlb.com/padres/news/2025-gold-glove-award-finalists (Brian Murphy, Manny Randhawa, Theo DeRosa – Padres.com)

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.co...-in-part-due-to-inability-to-please-everyone/ (Kevin Acee – U-T)

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.co...dres-managerial-opening-compares-to-the-rest/ (Jeff Sanders – U-T)

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.co...do-tatis-jr-a-finalist-for-second-gold-glove/ (Jeff Sanders – U-T)

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6720255/2025/10/15/twins-interview-nick-punto-for-manager-padres/ (Dan Hayes and Dennis Lin – The Athletic)

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6716508/2025/10/14/san-diego-padres-aj-preller-presser-takeaways/ (Dennis Lin – The Athletic)

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...fter-mike-shildt-remains-hot-topic-for-padres

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres Reacts Survey Results: Ruben Niebla has the support of fans, but will he get the position

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Padres fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The search for the new manager of the San Diego Padres will remain one of, if not the most, discussed topic of the offseason. At least until a manager is selected and announced. Then the conversations will shift to who did not get the job and the grade President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller should get for the hire.

There have been a bevy of names thrown out by reporters and fans, but nothing has been confirmed by the team, as the Friar Faithful have come to expect. Albert Pujols, Ryan Flaherty, Nick Hundley, Scott Servais and Bruce Bochy are just some of the names that have been mentioned as being possible candidates for the job. Until Preller or anyone else from the Padres confirms anything, most of the names being mentioned are just speculation.

Another name that has been the topic of speculation is current San Diego Pitching Coach Ruben Niebla. He has been with the organization for multiple years and he has been lauded for how he works with and communicates with each member of the pitching staff from the front of the rotation to the back of the bullpen, and everywhere in between.

Niebla could receive interviews from multiple teams this offseason as seven other organizations will be looking for managers. If he does not accept a position with another team, he could come back at the Padres pitching coach if he is not offered the managerial spot. According to a recent poll on Gaslamp Ball, 66 percent of 521 votes were in support of Niebla getting an opportunity to make out the lineup on a daily basis.

Of course, if Niebla does not become the manager of the Padres, he could be let go by the incoming manager or he may decide to walk away on his own, and that would have to be seen as a major loss for the San Diego franchise. If continuity and chemistry is what Preller and the other Padres decision-makers are looking for, then Niebla should get the nod.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/gaslamp...-support-of-fans-but-will-he-get-the-position

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: The focus is on the manager, but there will be plenty for the Padres to address this offseason

https://www.gaslampball.com/gaslamp...world-series-champion-could-be-the-difference (Thomas Conroy – Gaslamp Ball)

https://www.mlb.com/padres/news/a-j-preller-discusses-padres-offseason-priorities (AJ Cassavell – Padres.com)

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.co...dres-managerial-opening-compares-to-the-rest/ (Jeff Sanders – U-T)

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.co...-in-part-due-to-inability-to-please-everyone/ (Kevin Acee – U-T)

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/67...iego-padres-mike-shildt-retirement-questions/ (Dennis Lin – The Athletic)

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...enty-for-the-padres-to-address-this-offseason

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres should make qualifying offers to pitchers Dylan Cease, Michael King

The qualifying number for MLB free agents was announced earlier this week and according to a report from the Associated Press is set at $22,025,000, which is up from $21.05 million in 2025. Following the conclusion of the 2025 World Series, 20 days will determine who receives qualifying offers and who accepts their qualifying offer.

The San Diego Padres have a handful of players set to be free agents at the end of the MLB season. Pitchers Dylan Cease and Michael King will be the two current Padres, who can expect the biggest paydays in free agency. With that being said, San Diego should make qualifying offers to both players because the expectation is that neither with accept. It would not be the worst problem to have if they did, but it would be as surprising as Mike Shildt announcing his retirement after back-to-back 90-win seasons.

Cease had a down year and never seemed to find the rhythm that he often discussed when questioned by reporters about his struggles. He was second on the team in innings pitched at 168, but he led the team with 215 strikeouts. Cease stumbled to an 8-12 record with a 4.55 ERA. He made 32 starts and racked up strikeouts as he often does, but the record and ERA leave much to be desired from a pitcher who is looking to get paid like a No. 1 starter. With that being the case, accepting a qualifying offer and returning to form on a one-year deal in San Diego might not be the worst idea.

King was injured for a significant part of the season, and with past injury concerns, he too might benefit from another year with the Padres. King only completed 73.1 innings in 15 starts. He finished with a 5-3 record with a 3.44 ERA and 76 strikeouts. King was one of two San Diego pitchers to throw a complete game shutout and the other pitcher to do so, Stephen Kolek, is now a member of the Kansas City Royals.

It would seem that Cease is destined for free agency, especially since his agent is Scott Boras, and he is known for taking his clients to market. At the beginning of the 2025 season, there were reports that the Padres would like to bring back Cease or King, but more recently reports have said that San Diego would like to bring King back on a multi-year deal. It’s almost impossible to know if signing Cease or King is a possibility because reports about the Padres’ payroll flexibility vary and are speculative since the team does not talk about its finances.

By making qualifying offers to Cease and King, the Padres could see one or both players return, but that is highly unlikely based on recent prices for free agent pitchers – see Max Fried last offseason. At the very least, by making a qualifying offer to Cease and King, San Diego will receive draft compensation if the pitchers chose to sign with other teams.

Will the Padres make the offers and who will be making the decision, that remains to be seen.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...qualifying-offers-to-dylan-cease-michael-king

 

[San Diego Padres]

Arizona Fall League

The San Diego Padres prospects playing in the AFL are part of the Peoria Javelinas team and sit third in the AFL standings at the end of Week 2. They have a 5-4 record, one game back of the league-leading Surprise Saguaros. Eight Padres prospects are playing with Peoria and the purpose of their extended work is different for each player.

Position players

Catcher/1B/DH Lamar King Jr. has struggled during the first two weeks of the AFL. He is hitting .158/.238/.211 with a .449 OPS in 19 at-bats. King Jr. started his minor league season with the Lake Elsinore Storm, but finished with the Fort Wayne TinCaps. He hit .276 with a .762 OPS over the two teams for the 2025 season. King Jr. is the best catcher prospect behind Ethan Salas and needs to have a good Fall to prop up his standing. He had a shoulder injury in 2024 and there remain questions about his ability to stick at catcher.

SS/2B Ryan Jackson has a .250 average and .865 OPS in 16 at-bats over the first two weeks of games. He has a double and six RBI for the early part of the season. Jackson is now the highest ranked shortstop in the system after the trade of Leodalis De Vries at the trade deadline.

Outfielder Braedon Karpathios is hitting .273 with a .857 OPS with three doubles and four RBI in 22 at-bats. Karpathios is part of the 2022 undrafted free agent haul and has pushed for a spot in the prospect ranking with his performance. He currently has broken into the MLB rankings and sits at #30.

Pitching

RHP Carson Montgomery has a 1.80 ERA in two games started and five innings pitched with three strikeouts and three walks. Montgomery was drafted in Round 11 of the 2023 draft and is working to establish himself as a prospect in the system.

Kannon Kemp has been used in relief in two games and two innings pitched with a 2.00 ERA and four strikeouts to one walk. Kemp is the Padres #29 prospect per MLB.

Maikel Miralles is also being used in relief, mostly as a long relief/piggyback pitcher. He has seven innings pitched in two games with a 6.43 ERA and six strikeouts to six walks. Of the seven runs allowed, five have been earned. Miralles is 20 years old and has been in the system for three seasons, originally signed out of Venezuela as an international free agent.

Reliever Tucker Musgrove has pitched in two games and two innings with no hits and no runs allowed. He has three strikeouts to one walk. Musgrove has been working his way back from Tommy John surgery this season.

Reliever Johan Moreno has pitched in three games and four innings with a 2.25 ERA and five strikeouts to one walk. He has a .077 average against. He started his professional career as a 2023 international signee and has played for two seasons in the main land minor league system.

Team stats

The Javelinas sit third in the standings with a 5-4 record, one game back of the Surprise Saguaeros for the top of the league. They are second in the league with a .267 batting average and third with a .791 OPS.

Jackson is seventh in the league in OPS and Karpathios is eighth. Karpathios sits eighth in average and Jackson is ninth.

King Jr. has struggled so far in the AFL and needs to do better to prove to the organization that he should be added to the 40-man roster. There will be a roster crunch this offseason with multiple Padre minor leaguers eligible for the Rule V draft and much competition for who will be added to the roster.

King Jr. could do much to improve his status with a strong AFL performance. Despite his shoulder injury, King Jr. has the ability to stick at catcher. But if that isn’t his spot going forward, he could prove to be a first base prospect for the organization. But he must prove his hit tool can carry him through the system.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/minors/50977/arizona-fall-league