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[San Diego Padres]

Padres Reacts Survey Results: Majority of fans do not believe potential sale will affect the team

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.

It has been an offseason to forget for the San Diego Padres to this point. Manager Mike Shildt abruptly walked away and retired after the Padres were bounced from the postseason in the first round by the Chicago Cubs, John Seifler sent a letter to fans advising them the Seidler family was going to explore options for the franchise, which could include a sale and most recently a beloved former player and familiar face in San Diego, Randy Jones, passed away. Needless to say, the Padres could use some good news in what has been an otherwise dismal offseason.

Maybe the prospects of new ownership can get the Friar Faithful back on track. Names like Stan Kroenke, owner of the Los Angeles Rams and other sports franchises, Joe Tsai, owner of the Brooklyn Nets and other sports franchises and Steve Ballmer, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, have all been floated as billionaires who might have interest in purchasing the Padres. Most would agree that an owner with deep pockets could only be a good thing for San Diego, and would be the best way to keep late owner Peter Seidler’s dream of someday having a parade, alive.

While such a transaction will give the fans and media plenty to speculate, read and write about, our recent Padres Reacts Survey showed the majority of fans do not think the potential sale of the franchise will affect the team. At the end of the day, the players are paid to play the game. They cannot and do not control what happens in the owner’s suite. No matter who signs them, as long as the checks keep coming in, the players have to focus on the product on the field and figuring out a way to bring a championship to San Diego.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/gaslamp...t-believe-potential-sale-will-affect-the-team

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Luis Campusano gets another season in San Diego… for now; Padres tender, non-tender players; no changes for how fans will be able to watch Padres games

Luis Campusano will be returning to the San Diego Padres after he and the team agreed to a one-year deal for the 2026 season, according to a report from AJ Cassavell on Padres.com. The struggles of Campusano have been discussed in great detail over the past couple of seasons. His defense leads much to be desired and his offense, while impressive at Triple-A, does not seem to translate to MLB.

Former Padres manager Mike Shildt was not high on Campusano because he placed an emphasis on defense at the catcher position. Perhaps this season, with a new manager and with another year of experience under his belt, Campusano can find a way to contribute and remain with the MLB roster throughout the 2026 season.

• San Diego tendered contracts to six other players, one of whom was Jason Adam, who is still recovering from a ruptured quadriceps tendon that cut his 2025 season short. The other players who were tendered contracts were Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon, JP Sears, Freddy Fermin and Gavin Sheets. The players who were non-tendered were pitchers Sean Reynolds and Omar Cruz. Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors provided a full list of players who were non-tendered around MLB.
• The Padres signed Carlos Rodriguez to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training according to a report from Charlie Wright of MLB Trade Rumors. This is the second signing of this nature in as many days for San Diego.
• After the announcement about ESPN broadcasting MLB games for the 2026 season on Thursday, many fans of the Padres wondered how it would affect their ability to watch the games. San Diego provided a statement to address these concerns, and made sure to include that Don Orsillo and Mark “Mud” Grant will continue to call games from the booth

Baseball News:

• The Texas Rangers made headlines with their non-tender players, one of which was Adolis Garcia. The outfielder was thought to be a potential trade candidate at the 2025 trade deadline, but remained with the team. A few months later he is no longer a Ranger and Texas gets nothing for him.
• Starting pitching is always a sought-after position in the offseason and this year is no different. The Athletic produced an article ranking the pitchers at the top of the market, which include Dylan Cease and Michael King.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...r-how-fans-will-be-able-to-watch-padres-games

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres face trade options as the offseason progresses

Miguel Mendez, #5 prospect

With a limited spending budget seemingly obvious, Padres President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller will once again need to be creative while filling out the roster for the 2026 season.

Going by recent statements, Preller will have an operating budget similar to last season. Estimating the current payroll, while adding in the arbitration numbers for players to be signed before the end of the deadline, gives Preller approximately $30 million to spend on the trade or free agent market.

Signing a free agent starting pitcher or a power bat will eat up a big portion of that available money. Bargain signings, similar to the multiple free agent minor league contracts seen last offseason, can add bulk to the options the Padres bring to Spring Training in February of 2026.

The list of needs for the team include multiple starting pitchers, a DH or first baseman and bench help. It isn’t reasonable to fill all those needs with bulk minor league contracts and one big free agent signing. That seems to indicate a need for a trade or two to help bridge that gap.

Limited trade chips

After the 2025 trade deadline, the organization had severely depleted its prospect capital to strengthen the on-field major league roster. Since then, the strength of the minor leagues has shown to be in pitching. Most of those prospects remain in the lower levels of the organization, but a few are nearing being available to the major league team.

Trading from that strength, while possibly adding a major league player/pitcher, could bring in a quality player or two. The Padres bullpen is its biggest strength and should not be diluted significantly. Dealing from the back of the bullpen would be a big mistake. If there is interest for the middle relief pitching options, that would be a consideration. There are multiple minor league relievers who are close to major league ready and could fill spots out of Spring Training.

Who could be available

Based on information being circulated on industry sites that evaluate talent and offseason activity, multiple teams are open to discussions on players they are interested in moving. The Minnesota Twins (RHP Joe Ryan), Washington Nationals, St Louis Cardinals (RHP Sonny Gray) and NY Mets (RHP Kodai Senga) are all rumored to be willing to engage in discussions.

Jeff Passan of ESPN, floated multiple possible moves that could take place this offseason. Many of the players he named would be a good fit for the Padres. The Pittsburgh Pirates could part with RHP Mitch Keller, the Cincinnati Reds might shop RHP Brady Singer or the Kansas City Royals could part with LHP Kris Bubic.

Which players could the Padres spare

It is unlikely the Padres would trade catcher Ethan Salas and it seems unlikely any team would ask for him after he missed almost all of 2025 with an injury. Removing Salas from the options, who in the system might interest other teams?

Newly drafted LHP Kruz Schoolcraft, LHP Kash Mayfield, RHP Miguel Mendez (just added to the 40-man roster), RHP Kannon Kemp, RHP Carson Montgomery and LHP Jagger Haynes are all starters that the Padres have as top prospects and could be available.

Shortstop Jorge Quintana, who was acquired at the trade deadline, Luis Campusano, Braedon Karpathios and Alex McCoy are all position players who could attract interest. Campusano was just re-signed for his last year of arbitration and is out of options so he has to make the team or he is gone. Karpathios and McCoy are in development and not ready for any major league time.

Multiple relievers could be available, starting with roster pitchers Alek Jacob, Bryan Hoeing, Ron Marinaccio, Yuki Matsui or Wandy Peralta. There could be interest in Bradgley Rodriguez or David Morgan as well as newly added Garrett Hawkins.

The Padres also have Tucker Musgrove and Harry Gustin as highly regarded pitchers in the minors. Both of them are relievers although both have high leverage possibilities. Several other of the top pitching prospects had down seasons in 2025 and might not be attractive to other organizations at this point.

It should be an interesting offseason for Padres fans. We have multiple holes on the roster, limited money for the payroll and few position players considered top prospects to use as trade bait. If there is enough talent among the pitchers to entice other teams to trade with Preller will become evident over the next few months.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...ace-trade-options-as-the-offseason-progresses

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: AJ Cassavell provides Top-10 moments in Padres’ history

AJ Cassavell of Padres.com completed his list of Top-10 moments in Padres history. Of course, this list may vary from the list you would come up with, but it is always fun to reflect on past events.

Baseball News:

• Baltimore Orioles President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias explained his reasoning for pulling off a trade earlier in the week where the Birds sent pitcher Grayson Rodriguez to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for outfielder Taylor Ward.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...ell-provides-top-10-moments-in-padres-history

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres’ Jason Adam could return at start of 2026 season

One of the missing pieces on the 2025 San Diego Padres postseason roster was Jason Adam. He ruptured his left quadricep tendon, which required surgery, in September. The Friar Faithful received encouraging news on their star reliever, as he could be back on the mound at the start of next season.

Adam is a mainstay of the Padres’ bullpen​

Initial reports following the surgery indicated that Adam would start the 2026 season on the injured list, with an expected recovery timeline of six to nine months. But his rehabilitation has gone well, and Adam could be available for Opening Day. The City of San Diego should rejoice, as the Padres aim to make another run at the postseason.

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Since his arrival, Adam has become one of the Friars’ top late-inning options out of the bullpen. Last season was special for him; he was named to an All-Star team for the first time in his major league career. The right-hander notched a 1.93 ERA in 65 appearances. Adam allowed 78 baserunners in 65.1 innings pitched, but only 18 of them scored.

Despite Suarez’s expected departure, bullpen is talented​

Despite the opt-out of Robert Suarez, the Friars should have a quality mix coming out of the ‘pen next season. Barring a surprise trade or free agent signing, Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon have emerged as the team’s closer and eighth-inning specialist. Between the two, Miller has more experience as a closer, with 50 career saves for his three-year major league career.

If called upon, the closer role is not new to Adam. But it has been a while since he was thrust into duty. Adam served as the Tampa Bay Rays closer in 2023. The right-hander earned 12 saves in 56 appearances. However, it might be better served for the Padres to utilize Adam in the seventh-inning setup role.

When healthy, he has been the most efficient bridge reliever to the closer in baseball.

The primary objective for the 2026 campaign is to remain injury-free all season. All eyes in Peoria will be on Adam to determine if he can regain strength in his leg to begin the season on the roster. If not, the Friars would be wise not to speed up the recovery process.

The Padres do not have a surplus of talent. It is important for Adam to return to last season’s pitching level for the Friars to have success.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/gaslamp...son-adam-could-return-at-start-of-2026-season

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Jason Adam might be ready for the start of 2026; Padres make coaching hires

Finally, some good news from the San Diego Padres during this offseason! Gaslamp Ball’s Thomas Conroy talks about how All-Star reliever Jason Adam could return for the start of the 2026 season.

Padres News:

• Padres Manager Craig Stammen is making additions to his coaching staff, including a bench coach and a new hitting coach. Both selections are sure to be discussed and scrutinized by the Friar Faithful, but expectations for Randy Knorr and Steven Souza Jr. will be high.

Baseball News:

• Teams are showing interest in former San Diego players on the free agent market with Michael King and Robert Suarez being potential targets.

• There are nine new managers across Major League Baseball and they will face many challenges. Thomas Harrigan posted a story on Padres.com identifying the “biggest” challenge for each of them.

• Colorado Rockies announced they will make Waren Shaeffer their full-time manager after he was named the interim manager after Bud Black was fired early in the 2025 season.

• Houston Astros closer Josh Hader is “back to normal” after he missed the last two months of the season with a shoulder injury.

• Kyle Tucker is one of the biggest names on the free agent market and is arguably the top player. Reports have speculated the Los Angeles Dodgers or Toronto Blue Jays will attempt to sign Tucker, and Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors identifies nine possible fits for the outfielder.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...-the-start-of-2026-padres-make-coaching-hires

 

[San Diego Padres]

The curious case of Luis Campusano

Luis Campusano

The San Diego Padres drafted catcher Luis Campusano in the second round of the 2017 draft. He moved through the minors quickly, reaching the Padres in 2020 for a brief look. Around injuries and returns to the minor leagues, Campusano worked up the Padres prospect list with high hopes for his career.

During all of his time in the major leagues in 2022 and 2023, Campusano flashed moments of success combined with improving plate discipline. Then in 2024, his offense at the major league level took a step back and his defense regressed as well. Although never more than an average defender behind the plate, Campusano showed mental lapses and technique mistakes that made him spend more and more time either on the bench or in the minor leagues.

In 2025, Campusano knocked the ball all around Triple-A, with 25 doubles, 25 home runs and 95 RBI, but was 0-21 at the major league level in his multiple brief appearances.

What is his future?

In 2021, Campusano was the Padres #3 prospect with average ratings for defense and an above average bat. It is difficult to understand what has gone wrong. The organization has continued to invest time and money in Campusano, signing him to a guaranteed $900,000 contract for 2026 with president of baseball operations A.J. Preller quoted as saying- “He’s going to be in our mix next year, for sure,” Preller said last month, per Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune. “I’m hoping his experiences this year are going to help him overall as a player.”

The experience he spoke of was the wipe-out season he put up in El Paso. The question is why has he not been able to translate that to the major league field. The inconsistent and short opportunities can be explained by the fact that his skills as a catcher have regressed and having him handle a pitching staff for a contending team is not an attractive option.

If the organization had any faith in him, signing Elias Diaz and Martin Maldonado last season would have provided him the perfect opportunity. Neither of the veterans were able to hit and Campusano should have been able to take the back up job as his own. But he never caught a single game for the Padres, all his at-bats were as a DH.

So what is his role now?

Preller seemed to indicate that he would be given a chance in the spring to show his improvement. Campusano is currently in the Dominican Republic, playing Winter Ball with Tigres de Licey. He is not the DH or the first baseman. He is catching and it will be up to him to prove that he can stick at catcher and is working to improve his game.

The past two Padres managers, Bob Melvin and Mike Shildt, both showed they had no confidence in Campusano as a game manager or defensive partner to the pitching staff. With the acquisition of Freddy Fermin at last season’s trade deadline, Campusano no longer has any pressure to be the starting catcher for the Padres. Being good enough to back up Fermin, as well as DH, could be the role Preller envisions for him going forward.

Campusano is out of options and either makes the major league roster in 2026 or has to clear waivers to be sent to the minors. The other option is for Preller to give him a fresh start with another organization. Trading him seems the best option if there is no improvement in his production.

Do better with Salas

Whatever happens this offseason with Campusano, the Padres need to examine what role they played in his stalled development. Did they move him too quickly? Was too much pressure put on a young catcher?

The Padres still have Ethan Salas as a prospect in the system. Despite losing almost all of 2025 due to injury, he can still be given the proper guidance and time to develop where Campusano has not. Hopefully, Preller and the organization can get something out of their investment in Campusano and learn from the experience so Salas doesn’t repeat it.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...tary/51740/the-curious-case-of-luis-campusano

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Luis Campusano might have his last opportunity to impress Padres; Jason Adam gives back to San Diego

Fans of the San Diego Padres have been waiting for Luis Campusano to live up to the potential that saw him rise to the No. 3 prospect in the San Diego system. He went 0-for-21 at the plate during 2025 at the major league level, but tore up Triple-A with he El Paso Chihuahuas. Cheri Bell of Gaslamp Ball tried to examine what and where it went wrong for “Campy” over the past couple of seasons and what his future may be.

Padres News:

• Jason Adam could not help San Diego on the field after rupturing his quadriceps tendon, ending his 2025 season. AJ Cassavell talks about how that did not stop him from helping out in the community as he and the Padres handed out Thanksgiving dinners to families.
• Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune examines the free agent market and provided a list of the top-15 available free-agent candidates. He does not go as far as making predictions for where these players will land, but he does provide some of the latest rumors or updates on teams showing interest in the players.

Baseball News:

• Like Sanders of the U-T, Andy McCullough of The Athletic sets his sights on a list of free agents, but his list predicts a Black Friday deal for each team.
• The St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox reached a deal that sent Sonny Gray to Boston for prospects, showing the Red Sox are gearing up to challenge the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees for the AL East crown.
• While the big-name free agents always seem to wait until the Winter Meetings to sign with a team, lesser deals trickle in throughout the offseason. The Tampa Bay Rays made one of the lower tier signings agreeing to terms with Jake Fraley.
• After their big trade with the Texas Rangers, the New York Mets added minor league signings to their list of offseason accomplishments, agreeing to terms with Ruobert Stock and Nick Burdi.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...ess-padres-jason-adam-gives-back-to-san-diego

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: A.J. Preller may need to dig deeper into the farm system to acquire talent this offseason

For a time, it seemed like the only news this offseason concerning the San Diego Padres was bad news. That changed this week. Other than a couple players being signed to minor league contracts with invites to Spring Training, there has been no news about the Padres.

With so many things in flux in San Diego, this offseason may continue to be forgettable for the Friar Faithful. If financial constraints keep the Padres from being players in the free agent market, perhaps they can make a splashy trade that lands a piece for the major league club.

Cheri Bell of Gaslamp Ball looked at what San Diego might have to offer if A.J. Preller looks to acquire talent via trade.

Baseball News:

It’s not just Padres news that has been scarce, baseball news in general seems to have come to a grinding halt. However, ESPN’s Jeff Passan delivered surprising news Sunday with the announcement of a trade between the Texas Rangers and New York Mets. Just looking at the names involved, it appears the Mets just got a whole lot better and are trying to guarantee themselves a playoff berth in 2026.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...-farm-system-to-acquire-talent-this-offseason

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres Reacts Survey: San Diego has many areas to improve, which is the most important to address?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. 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 finances of the San Diego Padres have been a topic of discussion for fans and media members alike through this point in the offseason. There are sites where you can see what the current and projected payroll will be, but without knowing what the organization is willing to spend its all speculation. Of course, with the announcement that the Seidler family could consider selling the team, it would appear the Padres will have another offseason of one surprise acquisition, like Nick Pivetta, and that will be surrounded by a litany of smaller moves, such as Jason Heyward, Martin Maldonado, Yuli Gurriel, etc.

Shopping in the bargain bin is not the most exciting experience, but it may be the most prudent for a team that is saddled with big contracts that will see many of the players making large sums of money into their late 30s and early 40s. This expected financial constraint has caused some fanbases from teams like the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and New York Mets, to dream on the thought of a trade involving their team and the Padres in which they end up with Fernando Tatis Jr. San Diego has said it will not trade the two-time Platinum Glove-winning right fielder.

So when Padres general manager and president of baseball operations A.J. Preller decides to make a run at a free agent this offseason, who should it be? Should it be a player who can address the lack of slug and home runs that saw the Padres drop to 28th in major league baseball in that category in 2025? Should it be an arm that could take the place of Michael King or Dylan Cease, who reportedly agreed to a seven-year, $210 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, Wednesday? Should it be a player who fills a defensive need, such as first base?

Gaslamp Ball would like to know, if you were in charge of the finances for the Padres and could take one big swing in free agency, where should that money be spent?

Results of the poll will be provided later in the week.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/gaslamp...mprove-which-is-the-most-important-to-address

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Winter leagues provide Padres players with opportunities, Dylan Cease lands with new team

The San Diego Padres have made a couple minor league signings, but there has not been any activity or reported contract discussions with any of the free agents, to include their own. While the offseason work in the front office has yet to be seen, but is surely taking place, Cheri Bell of Gaslamp Ball wrote the players in the various Winter leagues have been staying active, looking to improve and hoping for a chance to show their big league club they deserve to compete for a spot on the major league roster.

Finances are always a hot topic when it comes to the Padres and that is something no one in the front office will ever talk about publicly. That provides the Friar Faithful with plenty to speculate about but also allows for some optimists to dream on the possibility of signing a big-name free agent. Gaslamp Ball asked its readers to decide how they would spend San Diego’s money.

More Padres News:

• If anyone was hoping the Padres might try to bring back one or both of right-handed pitchers Dylan Cease or Michael King, you can scratch Cease off the list. Several outlets and media members reported Wednesday that Cease had agreed to a seven-year, $210 million deal with the American League Champion Toronto Blue Jays. After seeing the reported contract numbers for Cease, King may be destined for another team as well in 2026.
• Former Padres manager Mike Shildt has apparently decided he has been retired long enough. Shildt is returning to baseball in a player development role with the Baltimore Orioles. The move itself is not all that interesting, but the timing of it all will surely raise some eyebrows.

Baseball News:

• The Los Angeles Angels and Anthony Rendon are discussing a possible buyout, which would end a rocky relationship between the third baseman and the franchise. It may also bring about the end of Rendon’s career as he is expected to retire.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...tunities-dylan-cease-lands-deal-with-new-team

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres Craig Stammen adds two familiar faces to his coaching staff

If you have concerns about new San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen’s lack of experience at the position, your fears may be tempered a bit with the recent hires to the coaching staff.

The Padres named Steven Souza Jr. as the hitting coach and Randy Knorr as the bench coach for the 2026 season. Both hires are expected to assist Stammen in making a smooth transition from a front office executive role to the field manager position.

Souza Jr.’s approach to hitting​

Souza Jr. begins his first season as a major league hitting coach, and everyone is wondering what his approach will be to working with the Friars’ veteran lineup. He has a very simplistic hitting philosophy, as Souza teaches his hitters to trust their skillset at the plate. He learned this approach as a special advisor to hitting development with the Tampa Bay Rays last season.

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His philosophy encourages hitters to mentally visualize the situation before stepping into the batter’s box. The process includes studying the defensive alignment and identifying who is on base. Souza Jr. wants to eliminate overthinking and chasing bad pitches outside the strike zone.

It is a strategy that counters former Padres hitting coach Victor Rodriguez’s approach at the plate, a high-contact philosophy designed to reduce the lineup’s strikeout percentage. But it comes at the cost of sacrificing a hitter’s power potential during at-bats.

Souza Jr.’s success hinges on his ability to translate the analytic data into accessible, impactful talking points that resonate with the players.

Regardless of which approach you support, the Friars need to put together more productive at-bats in 2026.

Knorr has the experience to be an asset in the dugout​

Successful managers rarely follow the same script each night. If they do not acknowledge the failures from the day before, then the results will never change. The Padres hired Knorr as the bench coach because he is known for his ability to make a suggestion that impacts the game.

Stammen is hoping Knorr can provide a lending voice with in-game decisions. It could be reshuffling the lineup or making a pitching change. But Stammen must take ownership of every move made during a contest. He must learn how to move the chess pieces that mirror his expectations of what should take place in that moment.

Knorr’s extensive experience spans nearly every baseball front office role, including development coach, minor league manager, player development executive, and major league coach. His personality has helped to develop a rapport with young players. He cherishes building a relationship that goes beyond the struggles of playing baseball. They gravitate toward Knorr, who provides insight from his playing days that allows them to reach their full potential.

The connection with the two new hires and Stammen is their time together with the Washington Nationals. Souza Jr. was a teammate in 2014, and Knorr was the bullpen and bench coach during Stammen’s time with the Nats from 2009 to 2015.

He is facing an uphill climb in becoming an outstanding manager. Trusted voices can help him make sound decisions and surpass the Friar Faithful’s expectations.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/gaslamp...adds-two-familiar-faces-to-his-coaching-staff

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: The Padres have been quite, but other teams are gearing up to take a shot on free agents

Baseball News:

• It appears the Chicago Cubs may be trying to convince free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker to return to the team with niceties. In a report from Patrick Mooney in The Athletic, the Cubs evaluated their acquisition of Tucker a year ago as a success after their return to the postseason.
• For most baseball fans, it seemed like a reunion between the Philadelphia Phillies and their free agent catcher J.T. Realmuto was a foregone conclusion. It seems that one team would like to make his decision a bit more difficult as Ken Rosenthal and Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic are reporting the Boston Red Sox have interest in bringing the backstop to Beantown.
• If Realmuto wasn’t enough to perk up the ears of Red Sox fans, news they are looking at additional free agents like Pete Alonso might have them waiting on pins and needles for Winter Meetings since that is when many free agent signings occur.
• After their unexpected run to the National League Championship in 2025, the Milwaukee Brewers could be looking to cut payroll. The Padres are in need of pitching and Freddy Peralta might be available if San Diego can bobble together an enticing package of players.
• The Baltimore Orioles may be looking to spend some money this offseason, and to be honest, they may be forced to if they expect to keep pace with the rest of the American League East. Could big names be lured to Baltimore, there are reports they state it’s possible.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...-are-gearing-up-to-take-a-shot-on-free-agents

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Craig Stammen adds to his coaching staff; Jake Cronenworth identified as possible trade candidate

New San Diego Padres Manager Craig Stammen made his first moves as the team’s skipper by selecting Randy Knorr and Steven Souza Jr. as the new bench coach and hitting coach respectively. Neither name is all that familiar to Padres fans, but they are familiar to Stammen. One is a long-time coach and former player and the other is a former player with a data-driven approach to hitting. How effective Knorr or Souza Jr. will be in their knew roles is anyone’s guess, but if San Diego continues to win the Friar Faithful will see their selections as a positive.

Padres News:

• Will Leitch of Padres.com provides reasons for each MLB team to be thankful this holiday season. He points to the loyal fanbase and claims San Diego is amidst one of its best eras ever.

• Fans of the Padres have at times, had issues with Jake Cronenworth. He is a versatile infielder, who made the All-Star Game in 2021 and 2022 and was given an extension following a postseason in which he helped San Diego get past the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series. Cronenworth has not been the same offensive player over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, but showed he may be potentially working back to his All-Star ways with a solid 2025 season. This is the reason Mark Feinsand of MLB.com has him listed as a potential trade candidate this offseason.

Baseball News:

• Speaking of trades, Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com has come up with seven ridiculous trade ideas for the offseason. Some of the suggested trades seem so far-fetched that the title of the article is more than fitting.

• The Toronto Blue Jays believe they have another solid arm in their rotation after adding Dylan Cease earlier this week, but Keith Law of The Athletic thinks the seven-year, $210 million contract is too steep of a price for a pitcher, who has been dominant at times, but inconsistent far too often.

• The Miami Marlins, who were reportedly interested in signing right-handed starter Michael King are also reportedly interested in signing Pete Fairbanks. The former Tampa Bay Rays reliever has received interest from multiple teams with Miami being the latest.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...nworth-identified-as-possible-trade-candidate

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres sign a free agent, Winter leagues in progress

The San Diego Padres made no moves during the General Manager’s meetings, but none were expected. They still haven’t finished filling out their coaching group, so a slow start to the offseason isn’t a surprise.

With a new bench coach and hitting coach on board, the organization is still looking for its third base coach. So far, the coaches have all been former teammates and/or acquaintances of manager Craig Stammen. It seems safe to say the last hire will be consistent with that mold.

The Padres announced that there will be a 2026 FanFest for Padres fans. Jan. 31 is the date to be saved!

With Michael King and Dylan Cease refusing their qualifying offers, the chance of either of them returning appears slim. There are thoughts that Luis Arraez would be an easier sign, but with the assumed limited budget, it seems a waste of resources to sign a one-tool player.

Arbitration-eligible players

The Padres tendered contracts to their six eligible players – Jason Adam, Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon, JP Sears, Freddy Fermin and Gavin Sheets. The contract deadline is Jan. 8. After that, the parties have to exchange salary figures, and the hearings would take place in February. Padres President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller has never gone to arbitration during his tenure with the organization.

Rehabbing RHP Jhonny Brito was also tendered a contract. He should be returning from his UCL surgery in the first half of the 2026 season. When he came to the Padres, he had been groomed as a starter, but was used as a reliever until his injury. There has been no word on what role the team sees him taking going forward.

Non-tendered players

LHP Omar Cruz and RHP Sean Reynolds were both released by the team at the non-tender deadline. Neither was arbitration eligible, so each would be expected to make minimum salary on the roster. But the moves seem to indicate their roster spots were more important to the team. They could both be re-signed to minor league contracts, if they want to stay with the organization. With the addition of Garrett Hawkins and Miguel Mendez, these moves keep the Padres at 34 players on their roster.

Free agent sign

Outfielder Carlos Rodriguez, 24, was reportedly signed to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite. Previously with the Atlanta Braves system, Rodriguez has played well in the minor leagues, but has not had any success sticking with a major league roster.

Minor leaguers in Winter ball

Catcher Luis Campusano has a one-year contract for 2026 and is out of options, so the moment of truth comes this spring. He is also playing in the Dominican Winter league with Tigres de Licey. Other Padres minor leaguers are also playing Winter ball, but no major league players are currently playing with any of the four leagues.

Most of the Padres minor league players have been playing for a short time, so the first update on these players will be after they have had more appearances. Newly signed utility player, Pablo Reyes, is playing with Gigantes del Cabao (Dominican) and is hitting .136 with a .384 OPS in 59 at-bats. Catcher Rudolfo Duran is with Estrellas Orientales (Dominican) and has 35 at-bats with a .457 average and a 1.215 OPS. He has two home runs and six RBI.

The other six are with either the Dominican, Mexican or Venezuelan leagues. There will be an update next week with their progress.

• It was reported that Dylan Cease had agreed to a seven-year, $21o million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays after this report was submitted.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...-sign-a-free-agent-winter-leagues-in-progress