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[San Diego Padres]

A.J. Preller rumor mill at Winter Meetings

A.J.Preller

The San Diego Padres announced the signing of a reliever with no major league experience on the first full day of the MLB Winter Meetings. RHP Daison Acosta, 27, signed a 1-year major league contract that teased Padres fans into thinking this could be the start of an active three days.

So far, the article (quoted above) by Kevin Acee in the San Diego Union-Tribune is the most excitement Padres fans have had. The sources (that were not quoted) were presumably industry insiders or members of the organization who were talking out of turn.

WBC news

During the second day of the three-day meeting, the WBC media day brought the announcement of Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis, Jr. as members of the Dominican Republic team. The manager of the Netherlands team, Andruw Jones, confirmed that Xander Bogaerts will play for the Netherlands, from his native Aruba. Nick Pivetta could be joining the Canadian team for the first time. He was invited in 2023, but opted to concentrate on the MLB season.

Pivetta trade?

There was significant conversation around the meetings regarding the possibility of Pivetta being available for trade. That would seem to make no sense, with starting pitching being the Padres’ biggest need.

Jon Morosi, in a conversation with Sammy Levitt of 97.3 The Fan, stated the perceived logic being that Pivetta could bring back prospects that could then be flipped for controllable, younger pitchers and the move would also clear some payroll.

MLB Network’s @jonmorosi talked with @SammyLev about what AJ Preller might be up to at the Winter Meetings, the idea of the team trading Nick Pivetta, how the Padres should view the Dodgers’ activity, and more. pic.twitter.com/GwN2aNnjBV

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) December 10, 2025

Preller speaks to Padres needs

During his press availability on the second day, Preller was asked about the role of Luis Campusano with the Padres in 2026.

.@SammyLev asked AJ Preller how he views Luis Campusano's potential role with the Padres in 2026: pic.twitter.com/R2Ts4bNI7T

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) December 9, 2025

He also had an extended interview with the MLB Network panel, effectively dodging all specific questions regarding the Padres’ plans and sounding like someone who had laid significant groundwork toward future trades or signings.

Preller continued to emphasize the organization’s desire to keep Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon in the bullpen for the 2026 season. Not only do they not want to risk injury to two pitchers who have had past problems, robbing from their area of greatest strength doesn’t make any sense for an organization trying to build strength and not weaken the team.

For the people floating the idea of trading Miller for starting pitching or prospects, that might bring a player or two, but would not clear payroll and the idea of clearing payroll would presumably be an added goal for this offseason.

Draft Lottery and Scouting Award

The MLB 2026 draft lottery was held on Tuesday, with the top spots of the first round awarded based on a lottery draw between the teams with the worst records in 2025. The rules eliminate those who were awarded last year, if they are repeats. The top six picks went to: 1. Chicago White Sox 2. Tampa Bay Rays 3. Minnesota Twins 4. San Francisco Giants 5. Pittsburgh Pirates 6. Kansas City Royals. The Padres will be pick No. 21 in the first round and will have compensatory picks in 2026 because of the qualifying offers to Dylan Cease and Michael King.

Padres’ director of player personnel, Logan White, won West Coast Scout of the Year. He has been one of A.J. Preller’s top lieutenants since joining the organization 10 years ago. Immediately after winning the award, White announced his retirement after 40-plus years in baseball.

The last day of the meetings is highlighted by the Rule V draft and the last minute deals that get in under the wire.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...993/a-j-preller-rumor-mill-at-winter-meetings

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres Reacts Survey Results: Fans would like to see reunion between Michael King, San Diego

The San Diego Padres have been part of various trade rumors since the MLB Winter Meetings. There has not been nearly as much conversation or coverage about their free-agent targets, if there are any. San Diego has three spots to fill in the rotation after Dylan Cease and Michael King reached free agency and Yu Darvish had elbow surgery that will cause him to miss the entire 2026 season.

Despite losing payers like Cease, King, Luis Arraez and Ryan O’Hearn to free agency, there is not much room in the budget to make a large free agent acquisition. But with all the trade talk, it is possible the Padres could free up some money and land one of the top free agent pitchers on the market.

The Friar Faithful have spoken, and the message was loud and clear. According to the most recent Padres Reacts Survey, if San Diego had the money to sign one of the top free agent pitchers the fans would like to see King return to the rotation. He was selected over Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez, Zac Gallen and any other free agent pitcher such as Tatsuya Imai. In fact, no one was even close to King.

The right-hander came to the Padres from New York in the Juan Soto trade that sent the generational talent to the Yankees. King was thought to be the most desired piece of the trade package coming back to San Diego and if that were the case, it would make sense the team would like to bring him back to the rotation. Whether or not it’s financially possible is anyone’s guess, but the chance of him coming back remains.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/gaslamp...to-see-reunion-between-michael-king-san-diego

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Michael King may be close to making decision about his future

A recent Padres Reacts Survey on Gaslamp Ball found the majority of San Diego Padres fans wanted to see Michael King return to the team, if the Padres had the financial means to sign just one of the top free-agent pitchers. Reports started to come out Sunday that King was close to making a decision on a team, but that his suitors appeared to be the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox or Baltimore Orioles. King is originally from New York, and his first organization was the Yankees, so a return to the American League East Division would not be all that surprising, but it will officially end the hope of a return to San Diego for the right-hander.

Padres News:

• The Padres made additions to their coaching staff and added some minor league players to the organization, but the MLB Winter Meetings came and went without any major moves by San Diego president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller. There were plenty of rumors surrounding the Padres and those have continued beyond the winter meetings with a variety of players being discussed.

Baseball News:

• Free agent pitcher Merrill Kelly has agreed to a two-year, $40 million deal to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks. His former teammate Zac Gallen remains a free agent, but the possibility exists they could reunite in the rotation in Arizona.
• Texas Rangers President of Baseball Operations Chris Young came out against reports that the team was shopping its shortstop Corey Seager. Young stated the trade speculation about Seager was, “overblown.”
• The San Franciso Giants seemed to want to lay low this offseason, but have been mentioned in more trade rumors and free agent speculation in recent days. The latest rumor is that the Giants are interested in adding Cody Bellinger to their roster.
• Recent reports mentioned the Los Angeles Dodgers were looking at the possibility of trading starter Tyler Glasnow. However, he was informed by the team that he is “not going anywhere.”

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...-be-close-to-making-decision-about-his-future

 

[San Diego Padres]

Rumors, a coaching staff, but little else

With the MLB Winter Meetings heading up all the headlines for the previous week-plus, there has been very little other San Diego Padres news. The rumors, on the other hand, have been running rampant.

It started with many prominent baseball writers opining that there is no way for the Padres to survive their change of ownership and budget cuts without trading Fernando Tatis Jr. President of baseball operations A.J. Preller did his best to dispel those rumors during his media appearance at the meetings by stating that Tatis was staying put.

The other prevailing rumor was that the Padres would be converting either Mason Miller or Adrian Morejon from the bullpen to the starting rotation. This was at least a credible rumor as Preller had acknowledged it was being considered in previous statements. He stated on Day 1 of the meetings that idea was largely dismissed.

The next rumor floated was that members of the bullpen, Miller and Morejon included, are on the trading block in order to bring back starting pitching.

Preller stated that was not part of the plan, as the bullpen is a strength and he was not interested in diluting that advantage.

The next subject of the rumor mill was Jake Cronenworth, who is considered to be sought after by teams who need a defensively-talented and versatile infielder who is a valuable offensive player.

The Cronenworth rumor seems to occur every offseason since he was signed to an extension that gives him $12 million annually through 2030. Up ‘til now, Cronenworth continues to be a Padre and is considered a leader on the team.

The latest rumors involve Miller, Morejon, Jeremiah Estrada, Nick Pivetta and Ramón Laureano all coveted by the New York Mets, and the Padres are actively in discussions to acquire both pitchers and position players from the Mets’ young prospects and major leaguers (mlbtraderumors).

Coaching decisions

The Padres seem to have a complete coaching staff now, though the announcements have not been made officially. Many of the new coaches have connections to new manager Craig Stammen.

After retaining bench coach Brian Esposito, pitching coach Ruben Niebla, bullpen coach Ben Fritz, first base coach Dave Macias and the two assistant hitting coaches, the Padres named a second bench coach in Randy Knorr. Mike McCoy and Pat O’Sullivan remain as assistant hitting coaches with new hitting coach Steven Souza.

Souza was a special assistant with the Tampa Bay Rays, was a power hitter as a player and seems to reflect the organization shifting its offensive focus to more aggression. Niebla was given a new title as assistant manager as well as pitching coach.

Ryan Goins, hired as an infield coach, was an infield specialist and was on Ron Washington’s staff with the Los Angeles Angels before Washington left due to illness. He was named bench coach after the previous bench coach was named interim manager. Goins was considered a glove-first player as a major leaguer.

Kevin Plawecki has been with the Padres as a catching coach in the minor leagues and will move into that role with the major league team. He was a catcher in both the minor leagues with the Padres and a back up catcher with the Mets and Boston Red Sox. He retired after the 2024 season and assumed a coaching role with the Padres.

Bob Henley, who spent almost his entire baseball career with the Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals, has been hired as the new third base coach. He first had the role in 2014-2021 with the Nationals and then went into a player development role. Stammen pitched with the Nationals from 2009-2015 so there is significant familiarity between them.

Minor league contracts

RHP Misael Tamarez, who was a free agent after the 2025 season, re-signed with the organization on Dec. 4. RHP Evan Fitterer also signed a minor league contract as a free agent on Dec. 8.

Robert Suarez signs

Former Padres closer Suarez joined former starter Dylan Cease in signing a free agent contract and earning a big payday. Suarez is committed to the Atlanta Braves for three years and $45 million in a setup/ backup closer role.

Padres to the World Baseball Classic

Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado will be managed by Albert Pujols with the Dominican Republic team. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts will play for the Netherlands team as a native of Aruba. There is a report that Nick Pivetta is considering committing to the Canadian team.

Luis Campusano finishes in winter ball

A.J. Preller stated at the winter meetings that Campusano has finished his time with Tigers de Licey in the Dominican Winter League. He finished with 19 games played and 50 at-bats. His batting line was .200/.293/.340 with a .633 OPS. He had two homers and eight RBI.

Preller has had multiple questions asked regarding Campusano’s future with the team. He will be given another opportunity this spring to show that he belongs on the major league roster. If he is not successful there are no more options for him to be sent to the minors. The options will be to trade him or try to pass him through waivers in order to be optioned.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-diego-padres-news/52051/rumors-a-coaching-staff-but-little-else

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Yu Darvish says he is focused on rehab not his return to the mound

The San Diego Padres have yet to make any significant news this offseason, most of what has been discussed is rumor and speculation. Padres starter Yu Darvish made some news of his own while taking part in the Padres Holiday Tour at Ronald McDonald House in San Diego, Monday. In a news starved baseball town like San Diego, the comments from Darvish were covered extensively in various reports from every media outlet that covers the Padres. The part of Darvish’s comment that seemed to be the most newsworthy was when he was asked about his potential return to the rotation. Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that Darvish said, “I don’t have that in my mind,” Darvish said. “I’m just trying to just rehab my arm right now. And if I get the urge to come back, if I feel like I can stand on the mound and come back, then I will go for that, but I’ll just leave it there for now.” This comment has caused many of the Friar Faithful to speculate that Darvish may not take the mound again for the Padres.

Padres News:

• Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune continues his postseason review of the San Diego organization. He focused his efforts on shortstop Mason McCoy and how he has been able to contribute at the major league level.

Baseball News:

• Eno Sarris of The Athletic wrote an article to highlight how MLB is going to regulate the use of data and technology in the minor leagues in an effort to get all 30 teams to the same competitive level.
• Former Padres utility infielder Ha-Seong Kim agreed to a one-year, $20 million deal with the Atlanta Braves.
• The Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals agreed to a trade involving pitching prospects.
• Trade rumors seem to touch every MLB team and the New York Yankees are no different. The Yankees announced they would consider offers on Jazz Chisholm.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...cused-on-rehab-not-on-his-return-to-the-mound