RSS Padres Team Notes

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Yu Darvish’s return is uncertain; Padres finalize coaching staff

Yu Darvish may have thrown the final pitch of his career in his playoff outing against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, but for those of us watching or listening on the radio, we had no idea. News broke following the conclusion of the season that Darvish had elbow surgery. The 39-year-old right-hander miss all of the 2026 season while rehabbing. Darvish stated in a recent interview with reporters that his focus is on the rehab process and not necessarily on pitching. His future with the Padres and in MLB seems to be up in the air and only time will tell if he can get back on the mound. Gaslamp Ball asked the Friar Faithful if they think Darvish will return to the mound for San Diego? Results of the poll will be released later in the week.

Padres News:

• San Diego made it official with the team release of the 2026 Padres coaching staff. Craig Stammen will have plenty of help as he navigates through his first season as an MLB manager.
• Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune takes an in-depth look at a new roster addition with his latest story on reliever Ty Adcock.

Baseball News:

• Free agent shortstop Bo Bichette has started to inform teams that he would be willing to play second base. This should open his services up to more teams, which should result in more offers for his services.
• The New York Mets added to their bullpen on the free agent market, signing Luke Weaver to a two-year deal.
• Munetaka Murakami has to sign with an MLB club prior to Monday at 2 p.m. PST. The free agent from Japan has had many rumored suitors, but the contract years and money offered are relatively unknown, but a decision should come soon.
• Free agent reliever Brad Keller and the Philadelphia Phillies agreed to a two-year deal.
• Three pitchers agreed to play for the United States in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins and Nolan McLean and Clay Holmes of the New York Mets will join Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes on the roster.
• The Cleveland Guardians and Toronto Blue Jays made a trade. Justin Bruihl is going to Cleveland from Toronto for cash. The Guardians also DFA’d outfielder Jhonkensy Noel.
• In a similar move the San Francisco Giants DFA’d Joey Wiemer.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...n-is-uncertain-padres-finalize-coaching-staff

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres, Michael King agree on 3-year, $75 million deal

After an injury-plagued 2025 season, Michael King will continue his baseball career in San Diego.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, The Padres have agreed to a three-year, $75 million contract with the right-hander. The terms include opt-outs after the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

King was 5-3 with a 3.44 ERA in 15 starts last season. He had two stints on the injured list with a pinched nerve in his right shoulder and knee inflammation that limited him to 73.1 innings pitched. Following the Friars’ Wild Card exit in the 2025 postseason, King opted out of his contract.

Drafted by the Miami Marlins in the 12th round of the 2016 MLB Draft. He spent two seasons in their minor league system before being traded to the New York Yankees. King made his major league debut in 2019 and quickly became a mainstay in the Yankees’ bullpen.

The righty spent five seasons in pinstripes before being dealt to the Padres in the Juan Soto trade.

In two seasons in San Diego, King is 18-10 with a 3.10 ERA in 45 starts. He is expected to anchor the 2026 starting rotation as the No. 1 starter.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...es-michael-king-agree-on-3-yr-75-million-deal

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres reportedly sign Sung-Mun Song

South Korean infielder Sung-Mun Song has agreed to a three-year, $13 million contract with the San Diego Padres. Robert Murray of FanSided reported the signing early Friday morning. Padres fans now have two early Christmas/Holiday gifts from president of baseball operations A.J. Preller.

Following the news of the signing of Michael King to a three-year deal on Thursday night, the Padres now have a new Korean infielder to work into the lineup. Song, 29, was the third baseman for the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO and has broken out the past two seasons. His .340/.408/.518 slash line in 2024 was his breakout performance but he followed it with a .315/.387/.530 line and a .917 OPS in 2025. He added 26 homers, 25 steals, and 37 doubles in 144 games.

His 30-day posting window for MLB teams began on Nov. 22 and was set to close on Dec. 21. There is no obvious spot in the Padres infield for Song to be a starter as his primary position is third base. Filling in and coming off the bench will most likely be his role to begin with.

With his role for the Heroes as their starting third baseman, this gives Manny Machado a legitimate backup for his rest and DH days as well as giving Jake Cronenworth days off. Song played significant time at both first and second base in South Korea. If he excels and pushes for regular time, first base would be an open spot on the roster for him to fit into.

The lefty-hitting infielder, 6-foot and 194 pounds, is not a backup at shortstop and could profile as a bench player rather than a starter but his signing adds depth and potential to a roster that is definitely lacking bench players and positional depth.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-diego-padres-news/52145/padres-reportedly-sign-sung-mun-song

 

[San Diego Padres]

How did the Padres and Mets trade talks hit a roadblock?

Let’s not kid ourselves, there was not much player activity at last week’s MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando, Fla. However, the buzz surrounding a potential blockbuster trade between the San Diego Padres and New York Mets has lingered far longer than expected.

For a brief moment, the rumors allowed the Friar Faithful to fantasize about a lineup featuring Fernando Tatis Jr., Francisco Lindor, and Manny Machado at the top of the order. But those talks have hit a roadblock because Lindor was never part of the discussions between the two teams.

The Mets were reportedly inquiring about the availability of San Diego’s pitching in exchange for young major league talent. The players discussed were Nick Pivetta, Adrian Morejon, and Jeremiah Estrada. However, the Mets did ask about the availability of Mason Miller.

The price to acquire Miller would be astronomical​

If the Mets could pry Miller away from the Friars, the cost would blow up their top major league prospect list. Team president of baseball operations David Stearns would have to surrender quite a package headlined by Jonah Tong, Brandon Sproat, and Jett Williams. However, the risk of losing all of their 40-man roster depth does not make sense.

The Mets are looking to upgrade their bullpen after losing Edwin Diaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency. But the team was decimated by injuries to its starting rotation last season. It forced them to use their top pitching prospects to remain in the postseason chase. Trading those players away to fix the bullpen would create a new problem on the roster. Often, those are just as difficult to solve.

Miller trade is highly unlikely​

The likelihood of Miller being available in any potential trade is highly unlikely, as the Padres front office moved quickly to squash all trade rumors before the media reports gained traction. The team views him as a cornerstone piece of their pitching staff. The media may have overblown the availability of the Padres’ closer.

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The Friars paid a heavy price to acquire Miller at last summer’s trade deadline. From a baseball point of view, it seems like a colossal mistake to deal him away this offseason. If the Mets are declaring Nolan McLean untouchable in trade talks, then Miller is unavailable.

Is it the right move to trade Pivetta?​

If the Friars are looking to make a trade with the Mets, the right move might be to make Pivetta available for a lesser cost. Pivetta has a heavily backloaded contract, and trading him offers the franchise salary relief. The financial flexibility helps to build a more balanced roster next season.

Here are the financials, as his base salaries are $19 million in 2026, $14 million in 2027, and $18 million in 2028. Pivetta holds a player opt-out clause after the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The $51 million remaining on the deal could become an albatross for the Padres if they fail to move him.

The right-hander is coming off his best season in the majors. Pivetta recorded a career-high 13 wins with a career-low 2.87 ERA in 31 starts. However, the odds are high that a starting pitcher entering his mid-30s could not duplicate those numbers again. He is a very serviceable starter, but his production could decline next season.

Trading Pivetta might weaken the starting rotation, but it is a gamble that the Padres must consider.

The temptation to make a blockbuster trade is always on the table for Preller. The Mets and Friars could re-engage in trade talks before the start of Spring Training.

However, no deal will take place unless their needs align.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/gaslamp...e-padres-and-mets-trade-talks-hit-a-roadblock

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Michael King is a Padre

The Friar Faithful have been waiting for San Diego Padres General Manager A.J. Preller to make a significant signing this offseason and the wait is finally over. The Padres and free agent right-hander Michael King agreed on a three-year, $75 million deal, Thursday. The deal includes opt-outs for 2027 and 2028, but ensures King is in San Diego for at least one more season.

The signing of King was a bit surprising for a couple of reasons. The Padres were not expected to have the financial ability to sign him and the latest rumors, at least on the national level, had King ticketed for the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees or Baltimore Orioles. Much to the delight of Padres fans, King will return to San Diego for the 2026 season, which is what 48 percent of fans polled by Gaslamp Ball said they wanted.

King re-joins Nick Pivetta, who is still a member of the Padres, and Joe Musgrove, who missed all of 2025 recovering from Tommy John surgery, as a formidable 1-2-3. Preller still has work to do to fill out his rotation and with the allocation of significant free agent dollars King, he may need someone like Triston McKenzie, who signed a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training, to step up and fill a roll.

Padres News:

• Mason Miller is joining a new team… for the World Baseball Classic. It was announced Thursday that Miller is joining the United States team giving them perhaps the top bullpen arm in MLB.
• Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune looks at new bullpen addition Daison Acosta in his on-going roster review.

Baseball News:

• Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal will also join the U.S. team for the WBC. The left-hander, who won the 2025 American League Cy Young Award, joins Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, who won the 2025 National League Cy Young Award, on the team.
• The Chicago Cubs and first baseman Tyler Austin agreed to a one-year, $1.25 million deal.
• The Cleveland Guardians and Shawn Armstrong agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million contract.
• The Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays agreed to a trade that sent Tristan Peters to Chicago in exchange for a player to be named later or cash.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...ood-morning-san-diego-michael-king-is-a-padre

 

[San Diego Padres]

A.J. Preller had a busy week

The San Diego Padres President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller stated on the last day of MLB’s Winter Meetings that he wanted to get clarification of the starting rotation “sooner rather than later.” That was Dec. 10. During the press conference on Friday, Dec. 19, announcing the signing of returning right-handed starter Michael King to a three-year deal, King said the discussions with Preller got serious “about 10 days ago.” That was when Preller asked manager Craig Stammen and pitching coach Ruben Niebla to text King, asking about his willingness to come back to the Padres.

While Preller was in Orlando discussing the trade market and the Padres’ need for starting pitching, he and the rest of the staff were working behind the scenes to bring King back into the fold. But that wasn’t the only player Preller was working to sign in the 10 days since the end of the winter meetings.

Sung-Mun Song signing

Although not an official deal yet, Preller has apparently landed Korean infielder Sung-Mun Song to a three-year deal for a reported $13 million. Considered a top international free agent from Korea, Song has primarily been a third baseman but has also played second and first base for the Kiwoom Heroes. Although some evaluators consider him as a utility player with offensive upside, the transition to the MLB from the KBO can be a struggle for some hitters due to the velocity and movement MLB pitchers employ against hitters. If Song can make that transition, his upside is significant, and he could become a candidate for the first base job.

The end of his window for a commitment to an MLB team is Dec. 21. The Padres will need to officially commit by then or he returns back to the Heroes. If the deal becomes official, the organization will owe his Korean team a posting fee of 20 percent of his contract amount up to $25 million.

Triston McKenzie signing

An under-the-radar signing occurred this past week when Preller signed RHP Triston McKenzie to a minor league contract. McKenzie is also receiving an invite to Spring Training with his deal. Coming from a long stint in the Guardians organization, where he worked with former Guardians and current Padres pitching coach Ruben Niebla, McKenzie has a spotted history but significant upside.

He posted a 2.92 ERA over 30 starts in 2022 for the Guardians but then developed elbow and shoulder injuries and hasn’t been the same player since. He had a 11.12 ERA in four big-league appearances last season and wasn’t any better in the Dominican Winter League with 11.2 innings pitched and a 5.40 ERA. A reunion with Niebla could be exactly what the doctor ordered, and the Padres are taking a low-risk and high-reward gamble.

“Those are always intriguing players – somebody that’s coming back from injuries, has something to prove,” said general manager A.J. Preller, speaking at Friday’s press conference to announce the signing of King. “In a different organization, maybe we can unlock something there. But he’s always been a super talented guy.”

At 6-5 and 164 pounds, the 28-year-old McKenzie provides potential back end of the rotation upside or rotation depth. If he and the Padres pitching coaches can straighten out his issues, he could be the kind of project that the organization has excelled at in the past.

Coaching staff announced

The Padres made Craig Stammen’s coaching staff official and former bench coach Brian Esposito will be reassigned within the organization but will not be a part of the major league staff. They also announced further additions besides what had already been reported and these include former Triple-A hitting coach Raul Padron as the hitting instructor to round out a four-person hitting staff. They also have designated Vinny Lopez as outfield and base running instructor, which is also part of first base coach Dave Macias’ job.

Despite some apparent repetition of job titles and roles, Stammen’s staff appears to be a team approach to instruction and managing. This reflects his own statements after his hiring. He acknowledged that he will employ more experienced personnel around him to make sure all the needs of the team are covered.

Minor league signings

The Padres re-signed RHP Omar Cruz to a minor league contract. The 26-year-old had been part of the major league roster last season but was waived at the end of the year. The signing allows him to remain with the organization and could involve a Spring Training invite as well as providing needed pitching depth.

RHP Justin Yeager was signed to a minor league deal. Yeager is a reliever formerly with the Brewers organization and is 27 years old. He played at the end of 2025 at the Triple-AAA level.

RHP Albieris Polanco was signed to a minor league deal. The 19-year-old is an international free agent from the Dominican Republic.

Catcher Blake Hunt was re-signed by the Padres to a minor league contract. Hunt was drafted by the Padres in 2017 as a second rounder. He was part of the deal for Blake Snell and since 2021 has bounced around with multiple organizations, becoming a free agent in November of this year and signing with the Padres on Dec. 16.

RHP Nathanael Jacinto signed a minor league deal on Dec. 12. The 20-year-old Dominican Republic native was an international free agent.

Mason Miller named to Team USA

Padres reliever and presumed closer, Mason Miller, was named to Team USA for the WBC tournament. He becomes the first Padre named to the USA team and follows Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Xander Bogaerts as Padres leaving the team during Spring Training to compete in the WBC. It will be his first opportunity to pitch for Team USA and he joins a loaded USA team.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-diego-padres-news/52176/a-j-preller-had-a-busy-week

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres Reacts Survey Results: Small number of San Diego fans think Yu Darvish will return to the mound

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 Friar Faithful have been waiting for some good news this offseason and it finally came with the announcement that the San Diego Padres were re-signing free agent right-hander Michael King. That news followed recent comments from Yu Darvish about his future with the Padres.

The feeling most San Diego fans got after hearing from Darvish was that he will not return to the Padres as a member of the rotation. This feeling was confirmed in a recent Gaslamp Ball Padres Reacts Survey that showed only 17 percent of fans believe the right-hander will return to the mound. Darvish himself stated that he is focused on his rehab and not on pitching.

Darvish has three years and $46 million remaining on his contract and there have been reports that he and the Padres might look at a buyout of the remaining years and money that he is owed. Whether or not that is something Darvish or San Diego want to explore will be discussed by fans and media ad nauseum in the days weeks and months ahead.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/gaslamp...ans-think-yu-darvish-will-return-to-the-mound

 

[San Diego Padres]

Sung-Mun Song signs 4-year deal with Padres

According to a report from Ronald Blum of The Associated Press the San Diego Padres and free agent infielder Sung-Mun Song have signed a deal to bring the KBO star to San Diego. The Padres and Song agreed to a four-year, $15 million deal, which includes a $1 million signing bonus to be paid in $500k installments in January 2026 and January 2027.

Previous reports stated the two sides had reached an agreement, but the contract length and dollars varied. It was initially thought to be a three-year deal for $15 million, but some reports had that number at $13 million.

Song will make $2.5 million in 2026 and his salary will increase in 2027, 2028 and he will have a $4 million player option in 2029 before a $7 million mutual option in 2030. Song, who was a third baseman in the KBO, can play around the infield and could serve as a platoon player. He could also try to win a starting job with his positional flexibility on the infield if Jake Cronenworth moves to first base or Song could potentially serve as the San Diego first baseman.

This story will be updated when the Padres make an official announcement.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...0/sung-mun-song-signs-4-year-deal-with-padres

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres take low-risk option on ex-Guardian pitching phenom

The San Diego Padres had a busy week leading up to the holidays. They signed Michael King and Korean star Sung-mun Song to three-year deals. But the Padres made a calculated move to add starting pitching depth by agreeing to a minor league contract with veteran Triston McKenzie.

McKenzie seeking to reclaim glory​

He is 28 years old and seeking to rewrite the narrative of his career. Once regarded as one of baseball’s elite pitching prospects, McKenzie was expected to be a cornerstone of the Cleveland Guardians starting rotation. Unfortunately, arm injuries have derailed his progression on the mound.

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2022 was the best season for the former first-round pick. McKenzie posted an 11-11 record with a 2.92 ERA in 30 starts. His career hit a low-point last season when he surrendered seven runs over 5.2 innings pitched, resulting in an 11.12 ERA. It forced the Guardians to designate him for assignment.

After clearing waivers, McKenzie accepted an outright assignment to the club’s Triple-A affiliate, Columbus, for the remainder of the 2025 campaign. His struggles continued in the minors, as McKenzie recorded an 0-3 mark with a 7.17 ERA, thus ending his 10-year stay in the Guardians organization.

Observers believe McKenzie’s struggles began after being diagnosed with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow during the 2023 season. He elected a rest and rehab approach rather than undergoing Tommy John surgery. In McKenzie’s return, the velocity of his pitches was there, but there was no command or movement heading toward home plate.

Preller’s annual under-the-radar signing​

Team President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller has prioritized financial flexibility with each player move this winter. The signing represents a low-risk option, as the right-hander will receive an invite to Spring Training with the Friars. Preller is hoping to add more starting pitching depth on the 40-man roster.

Preller is banking on a reunion with Padres pitching coach Ruben Niebla will improve McKenzie’s ability to throw more strikes. It provides a fresh start with a friendly voice, as they worked together when Niebla was a minor league pitching coordinator with the Guardians.

For most athletes, chasing the dream of playing in the majors is a gamble with no guarantee of a payoff. McKenzie was one of the promising arms in the majors, but injuries and poor performances have caused a setback in his career.

He is hoping to recapture his command and become a dependable fifth starter in the Friars rotation.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/gaslamp...ow-risk-option-on-ex-guardian-pitching-phenom

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Fans question Yu Darvish’s future with Padres; Sung-Mun Song signs deal

San Diego Padres fans have been watching Yu Darvish struggle with his health over the past two seasons, and they will not see him at all in 2026 after he had elbow surgery at the start of the offseason. Darvish spoke with members of the media during a recent Padres event at Ronald McDonald House in San Diego and his comments left some questions about him being able to finish the three years he has remaining on his contract. Gaslamp Ball asked readers if they expected to see Darvish return to the mound for San Diego and the overwhelming majority believe he will not. Clarity about his future with the Padres and in MLB should come as he progresses in his rehab following the surgery, but until that time, we can only speculate.

Padres News:

• Padres President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller likes to have projects. Last season he signed Gavin Sheets, who eventually made the big-league roster and performed well throughout the season. Sheets was a low-cost high reward option in 2025. Pitcher Triston McKenzie seems to be that kind of player for the 2026 season. Reuniting the lanky right-hander with Ruben Niebla could be a recipe for success for McKensie and the Padres.
• Free agent infielder Sung-Mun Song of the KBO signed a four-year, $15 million contract with San Diego. The deal was reported earlier in week but was not finalized until Sunday.

Baseball News:

• Japanese free agent slugger Munetaka Murakami has decided his MLB future for the next two seasons. It was announced Sunday that he agreed to a two-year, $34 million deal with the Chicago White Sox. Murakami had several MLB teams show interest in his services, but ultimately, he got what he was looking for in Chicago.
• The next position player from Japan, who is expected to sign with an MLB team is infielder Kazuma Okamoto. He is a better defender than Murakami and has similar power with fewer strikeouts, which makes him appealing to the teams who did not land Murakami.
• Former Padres reliever Matt Strahm was traded from the Philadelphia Phillies to the Kansas City Royals earlier this week and since the trade reports have emerged that Strahm may have been moved due to conflicts in the clubhouse with “coaches and other team officials.”
• The Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed to a trade that will send first baseman Willson Contreras to Boston for pitcher Hunter Dobbins and two pitching prospects.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...s-future-with-padres-sung-mun-song-signs-deal

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Moring San Diego: Padres make deal with Sung-Mun Song official, announce details for FanFest

The San Diego Padres officially announced the signing of Korean infielder Sung-Mun Song, Monday and confirmed the details of his contract, which is a four-year deal with a guaranteed $15 million. Song, who has played third base, second base and first base in the KBO, will be introduced to the media and fans via a video call today.

The Padres also announced details for Padres’ FanFest, which will be held at Petco Park, Jan. 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Padres News:

• Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune continues his Padres roster review with his focus set on Garrett Hawkins.
• Padres minor league pitcher Miguel Mendez was placed on the 40-man roster prior to the Rule 5 Draft and AJ Cassavell of Padres.com believes he has potential to provide some depth in the San Diego rotation.

Baseball News:

• Long-time New York Mets infielder Jeff McNeil traded to Athletics. The A’s also designated pitcher Ken Waldichuk to open a spot on their 40-man roster.
• The Mets have an outfield position to fill and there is some belief they could look to free agent Cody Bellinger to address their need.
• Free agent outfielder Rob Refsnyder agrees to one-year deal with Seattle Mariners.
• Free agent third baseman Alex Bregman has yet to sign a deal, but he is receiving interest from a handful of teams to include the Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago Cubs.
• The Philadelphia Phillies made an addition to their bullpen by signing Zach Pop to a one-year deal.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...un-song-official-announce-details-for-fanfest

 

[San Diego Padres]

Do not dismiss Padres, Arraez reunion just yet

The San Diego Padres seem to be in a festive mood during the holiday season. Michael King returned to the fold after agreeing to a three-year, $75 million contract, and do not dismiss another reunion occurring with Luis Arraez before the start of Spring Training.

Baseball’s best pure hitter​

The Friar Faithful love Arraez because he is one of the best pure contact hitters in baseball. Few of his contemporaries can match his bat-to-ball skills, as he struck out only 215 times during his seven-year major league career. The lone hitter who could match him is Mr. Padre, Tony Gwynn.

Arraez has a few detriments that have worked against him receiving contract offers in free agency this winter. Some teams have been hesitant to commit to a long-term deal with Arraez due to his lack of power. He has hit only 36 career home runs, but the three-time batting champ has 169 career doubles.

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It is hard to imagine that batting .292 would be considered a down season. But Arraez is a lifetime .317 hitter, and the 25-point dropoff is concerning. However, none of this should be a deal-breaker for signing him.

Friars searching for more power​

While increased power in baseball has led to more strikeouts and less activity on the basepaths, the Friars aim to evolve into a more explosive offense in 2026, ideally without sacrificing their signature high-contact approach.

Petco Park is not a home run haven, but the field dimensions are ideal for high-contact hitters. Their skillset is needed to battle against hard-throwing relievers late in close games. Having the ability to put the bat on the ball adds value to initiate a late-inning scoring rally that secures a win.

The Padres’ decision might come down to where they can get more power in the lineup. If Arraez returns to San Diego, then the front office will be in the market for a right-handed, power-hitting designated hitter to platoon with Gavin Sheets.

The offensive emergence from Sheets was a pleasant surprise last season. He set career-highs at the plate with a .252 batting average, 19 home runs, and 71 RBI, and he aims to sustain the same production in 2026. Thus, the Padres would have to find the perfect complement to balance out the lineup.

Re-signing King was the Padres’ top priority this offseason. The team-friendly deal offers some salary flexibility that could gain an agreement with Arraez. Various media outlets have projected his contract value between one-year, $7 million to two years, $14 million.

Free agency movement has been slow, but the market is expected to pick up after the holidays.

Arraez may not be the biggest name available on the open market, but he is the perfect fit for the 2026 Friars. The outcome depends on reaching a mutually beneficial contract agreement.

Bring back La Regadera!

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/gaslamp...-dismiss-a-padres-and-arraez-reunion-just-yet

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Padres could look to minor league arms for rotation depth; reunion with Luis Arraez possible

The San Diego Padres have a current pitching rotation of Michael King, Nick Pivetta, Joe Musgrove, Randy Vasquez and possibly JP Sears, Kyle Hart or Matt Waldron. There is still time for the Padres to add more pitching this offseason and conventional wisdom says they will. How much, is another problem altogether, especially considering the price of a good arm in the current market. If San Diego is able to add another arm in free agency, president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller may not have much more money to spend, which means rotation depth may have to come from within. Cheri Bell of Gaslamp Ball highlights two young arms, Garrett Hawkins and Miguel Mendez, who are in the minor league system as potential depth pieces for manager Craig Stammen in the 2026 season.

Padres News:

• Free agent infielder Sung-Mun Song was officially introduced as the newest member of the Padres at a video conference with the San Diego media, Tuesday. He said he is happy to be a Padre and that he is willing to fill whatever role is asked of him.
• Is a reunion between the Padres and Luis Arraez still an option? Thomas Conroy of Gaslamp Ball thinks so and he explains why he thinks a deal between the three-time batting champion and San Diego could happen.
• Outfielder Tirso Ornelas, who has spent a significant amount of time in the minors with the Padres organization, made his MLB debut in 2025, but could not hold onto a spot on the big-league roster. Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune looks at what Ornelas can do different in 2026.

Baseball News:

• There will be no reunion for free agent first baseman/outfielder Ryan O’Hearn and the Padres. O’Hearn signed a two-year, $29 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, which is Pittsburgh’s first multi-year free agent contract since pitcher Ivan Nova in 2016.
• Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper is the latest player to announce his intentions to suit up for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, adding another big name to an already loaded roster.
• Eugenio Suarez is still a free agent and that could mean more teams will emerge as potential suitors if the cost for his services starts to reduce. The most recent team to consider adding Suarez is the Seattle Mariners. Suarez finished 2025 with the Mariners and helped during their playoff run.
• The Chicago Cubs added another player to their roster, agreeing to a one-year deal with reliever Jacob Webb, Tuesday.
• The White Sox added another free-agent, their second of the week, with left-hander Sean Newcomb agreeing to a one-year, $4.5 million contract, Tuesday.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...ation-depth-reunion-with-luis-arraez-possible

 

[San Diego Padres]

Garrett Hawkins, Miguel Mendez ready to impress

Garrett Hawkins

There are still some upper-level prospects available to help the San Diego Padres in 2026. President of baseball operations A.J. Preller traded multiple top players from within the team’s minor league system at the trade deadline in 2025, but there are still a handful close to major-league ready to help in the coming season.

Two of those are pitchers Garrett Hawkins and Miguel Mendez. Both were added to the 40-man roster before the Rule 5 Draft for the MLB Winter Meetings. There were many of the Padres minor league prospects eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this year, but these were the two the organization felt were closest to ready (and could be stolen by other teams in the draft).

While either or both could be seen in San Diego this coming season, Hawkins could be ready coming out of Spring Training. Mendez is younger and needs some more work with his command and control. At the least, they are both depth pieces who will be waiting in the minor leagues if the Padres need them.

Garrett Hawkins

Garrett Hawkins was drafted in the ninth round of the 2021 draft by the Padres. He lost most of the season to the pandemic and began his pro career in 2022 with Low-A Lake Elsinore and High-A Fort Wayne where he posted a combined 4.74 ERA in 92 innings pitched. All of his 21 games were starts.

Hawkins experienced forearm tightness after starting the 2023 season with High-A Fort Wayne and underwent Tommy John surgery, which kept him away from pro ball until 2025. Hawkins returned to Fort Wayne with a 1.43 ERA in 32 games and 44 innings pitched as a reliever in order to limit his innings. He was promoted to Double-A San Antonio for the remainder of the season and threw in 13 games for 16 innings and had a 1.69 ERA. His combined ERA of 1.50 ERA in 60 innings pitched gave him a 9-1 record with 10 saves, 80 strikeouts and 23 walks for a .138 average against.

Hawkins previously featured a mid-90s fastball with a gyro slider and curveball. After surgery, the slider became a sweeper and his fastball velocity now reaches upper 90s mph. During the 2025 season, Hawkins had a stretch of almost four months and 34 innings allowing no runs in Fort Wayne. He had a 30.3 percent K-rate in San Antonio after his promotion.

The biggest question that remains is whether the Padres will keep him as a reliever or stretch him out as a starter. Hawkins should come to Spring Training with a chance to make the bullpen if he is brought in as a reliever. That makes the most sense for the short-term as protecting his newly repaired elbow and building him up slowly seems the safest.

At 26, 6-5 and 230 pounds, Hawkins still has time to prove himself in either role and he has shown uncommon control and command for someone coming back from UCL surgery. If his success continues, a bullpen role awaits him when the team needs him. If the Padres make any trades using bullpen arms and a spot opens up, Hawkins could very well be next in line to join the team in 2026.

Dreaming on what he could be as a starter should probably wait until 2027 to explore.

Miguel Mendez

Right-handed starter Miguel Mendez, 23, was an international amateur signed in February of 2021 out of the Dominican Republic. He began his pro career in the Dominican rookie league and made his stateside debut in 2022. Mendez struggled with control over the 2022-2024 seasons with most of his time spent in Low-A Lake Elsinore.

In 2024 he began to improve his control with a 3.86 ERA in 82 innings pitched and 20 starts. In 2025, Mendez took a big leap with a brief showing in Low-A Lake Elsinore that earned him a promotion to High-A Fort Wayne after 3 starts.

In Fort Wayne, Mendez had a 1.32 ERA in 12 games with 70 strikeouts and 24 walks in 61.1 innings pitched. That earned him a promotion to Double-A San Antonio for his last six starts. It appears Mendez ran out of gas toward the end of the season and surrendered 22 hits in 22.1 innings but still had 30 strikeouts.

Overall, he finished 2025 with a 8-7 record and 3.22 ERA in 95 innings pitched with 118 strikeouts to 45 walks across his 21 games started.

Mendez featured a 91 mph fastball when he signed that was 94-95 mph by 2023. He now sits upper 90s and can hit 100 mph with a tight slider and plus-change. At 6-2 inches and 165 pounds, Mendez is wiry and could easily add weight and muscle to his frame as he develops.

He will likely start back in San Antonio to begin the season but could be starting depth after a little more experience in the minors. Hopefully his offseason program will result in added muscle and endurance as he works his way toward a full season as a starter and gets ready for a 2026 debut in the major leagues.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...arrett-hawkins-miguel-mendez-ready-to-impress

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Sung-Mun Song could provide break for Manny Machado

San Diego Padres President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller helped introduce free agent infielder Sung-Mun Song to the San Diego media, Tuesday. Preller was joined by San Diego manager Craig Stammen, who stated he can see Song providing depth around the diamond, adding one of his primary functions will be to serve as a sub for Manny Machado at third base. The thought over the past couple of seasons is that Machado has seen his statistics taper off toward the end of the year because of the amount of games he plays. Stammen envisions Song providing quality defense that will allow Machado to see more DH days in 2026, keeping him fresher throughout the season. Song will have to show he is ready for the role in Spring Training, especially if Preller, Stammen and the Padres are counting on him to handle those duties.

Padres News:

• Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune takes a look at Will Wagner, who joined the Padres at the 2025 MLB trade deadline. Wagner is an infielder who can play multiple positions so he and newly acquired Sung-Mun Song should compete for a roster spot and playing time throughout Spring Training.

Baseball News:

• It was reported recently that the New York Mets were showing interest in free agent outfielder Austin Hays and it has now been reported that the New York Yankees have interest in the outfielder as well.
• Reliever Pete Fairbanks, who was previously with the Tampa Bay Rays, will remain in Florida on the other side of the state after agreeing to a one-year deal with the Miami Marlins.
• There are still many free agents looking for work and Andrew Simon of MLB.com identifies the top 14 free agents remaining and which teams would be the best fit for each. One of the players on his list is starter Chris Bassitt and Simon thinks the Padres should add him to the rotation.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...un-song-could-provide-break-for-manny-machado

 

[San Diego Padres]

Sung-Mun Song introduced to San Diego

On Dec. 23, A.J. Preller and the San Diego Padres introduced their new infielder from Korea, Sung-Mun Song. After flying to San Diego from Korea on Friday, Dec. 19, Sung signed his new contract and flew back home to Korea.

On Tuesday, the Padres introduced Song via Zoom call and he joined Preller and manager Craig Stammen addressing his future with the team. Various members of San Diego sports media asked questions during the call.

Song made a statement in English and then answered questions. He sees himself as a fill-in to the regular infielders and as a utility player in any role given to him. Song considers his increase in production the past two seasons to weight training as well as nutritional improvements.

He was motivated by seeing his former teammates coming to the US and playing in the big leagues. As a close friend of former Padre, Ha-Seong Kim, Song always wanted to make the jump but didn’t think he had the ability until he was able to improve his game. Preller added that he also sees a change in Song’s hitting technique and is now able to pull the baseball to add to his power.

Manager Craig Stammen sees Song as a versatile player who can play all over the field, including outfield. One of his main roles being relieving Manny Machado at third base to allow him to DH or just get off his feet.

Song explained that his relationship with Ha-Seong Kim influenced his decision to sign with the Padres as Kim spoke highly of his former teammates, the staff and how beautiful the city is as well as telling Song that he should challenge himself by reaching for the major leagues.

Song spoke multiple times with the Padres over the last several years and those talks included encouraging him to play multiple positions to ready himself for a chance with MLB. He also referred to his long-time admiration for Manny Machado and his desire to meet and play with him.

Song was voted KBO Player of the Year by the players association in Korea. He spoke about making an increased effort over the past few years to improve as a player and he thinks the other players recognized that effort.

Song’s walk-up song is a Korean hip-hop title by Zico titled Okey Dokey. He would like to continue to use that as his walk-up song in San Diego.

Korean journalists also participated in the call and there was a discussion of whether Song would be available to play for Korea in the World Baseball Classic. Preller stated the Padres support for the WBC and players wanting to play for their country. They will discuss it further over the next few weeks.

Journalist Jeeho Yoo asked Stammen about using Song in the outfield. Stammen sees it as a project in Spring Training and they will see how it plays out.

Song, 29, is considered a late bloomer as a possible MLB player. It should be noted that he lost almost two years of his baseball career while fulfilling his military requirement in South Korea. Although primarily signed as a utility option for the Padres, it is possible that he could play almost every day. Relieving the regular starters, coming in as a defensive replacement late in games and serving as a DH are all roles he could fill if all goes well for the Padres and Song.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-diego-padres-news/52268/sung-mun-song-introduced-to-san-diego

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Padres quiet for a day, but should make noise before 2026

The offseason has been relatively slow for the San Diego Padres. They re-signed pitcher Michael King and signed free agent Sung-Mun Song, but there has been little else to speak of since the 2025 season ended against the Chicago Cubs in the Windy City. If the months since have been slow for San Diego, the Christmas holiday brought the offseason to a screeching halt. There was no activity to speak of from the Padres despite hopes from some of the Friar Faithful that they might wake to a gift of a signing, but that was not to be. Will San Diego make a significant trade or signing before 2026? That remains to be seen, but it may be too much to ask with just five days left before the ball drops and the calendar turns to January.

Baseball News:

• If you are a fan of the longball, Shanthi Sepe-Chepuru of MLB.com has provided your offseason fix with a list of the longest home runs hit by each team in MLB. Manny Machado took the title for the Padres with a 452-foot home run edging out Gavin Sheets who hit a 451-foot home run in the same game.
• It was reported on Christmas Day that the Athletics and outfielder Tyler Soderstrom agreed to a seven-year, $86 million dollar extension. The deal was not yet confirmed by the team but was reported by multiple outlets.
• Some minor league teams have announced alternate identities for their clubs and Benjamin Hill of MLB.com provided a list with images of the names that have been announced so far.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...t-for-a-day-but-should-make-noise-before-2026

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres should look to veteran Chris Bassitt to address pitching needs

It is no secret the San Diego Padres need to add to their starting rotation.

Michael King was signed to a three-year, $75 million contract and has been the biggest free agent splash of the offseason for San Diego. He joins starters Nick Pivetta and Joe Musgrove, who is returning after missing the entire 2025 season recovering from elbow surgery, but the final two spots in the five-man rotation are anything but settled.

Those two spots could turn into three if the rumors about a potential trade of Pivetta comes to fruition at some point this offseason. Reports after the MLB Winter Meetings stated the Padres and the New York Mets had discussions involving several players with Pivetta being highlighted as part of a “blockbuster” deal, but those conversations have seemingly cooled. Of course, major league-ready pitching was mentioned as a possible return for San Diego, but those pitchers would have limited experience in the big leagues or no experience at all at the MLB level.

The Padres could address their pitching needs on the trade market, as San Diego has been linked to names like MacKenzie Gore of the Washington Nationals and Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins, but no trade is imminent. However, there are quite a few free agent pitchers available.

If the Padres are willing to spend to address their pitching needs but want to stay away from the top of the market with names like Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez or Tatsuya Imai, they should consider free agent starter Chris Bassitt. The right-hander spent the 2025 season with the Blue Jays and finished 11-9 with a 3.96 ERA. He pitched 170.1 innings and compiled 166 strikeouts. Perhaps most important he started 31 games. That type of production is what the Padres need if they are going to replace Cease.

Bassitt presents as the type of pitcher that we have come to enjoy in San Diego. He is a hardnosed, intense pitcher who has a different demeanor when he takes his turn on the mound each week. He carries himself much like King, Pivetta, Musgrove and Jake Peavy before all of them. Adding another fiery arm to the rotation with the durability and success of Bassitt is something the Padres should do as soon as possible.

Bassitt has the experience of an 11-year career and while the majority of that was spent pitching in the American League, he has shown he can pitch in the National League as well as a member of the Mets in 2022. At 36 years old, Bassitt is surely looking to pitch for a contender and might not mind a short-term deal, which makes him a fit in San Diego.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic predicted Bassitt will receive a two-year, $45 million contract and listed the Padres as a potential fit in a November article. To add credibility to his predictions, Bowden had King receiving a three-year, $75 million contract and listed the Padres as potential suitors. Could San Diego and Bassitt make Bowden right again? Maybe not at $45 million but as we get closer to January that number could come down and the Padres might be able to lengthen their rotation with another free agent signing.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/gaslamp...teran-chris-bassitt-to-address-pitching-needs

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres add infielder, multiple minor league contracts

Yuki Matsui to pitch in WBC for Japan

With the signing of former KBO Gold Glove infielder Sung-Mun Song, the San Diego Padres added depth to their roster. Based on the experience with former Padre Ha-Seong Kim, the organization and Padres fans should not expect Song to be a starter in 2026.

Kim took a full season to fully adjust to the jump from KBO to MLB. Although the Asian leagues players and the MLB are closer together skill-wise than they used to be, there is still a gap in pitch velocity as well as movement on off-speed pitches. The offensive players have historically needed an adjustment period.

If Song is able to adjust quickly, we could see a more successful first season but keeping expectations lower would be wise. Adjusting to increased velocity as well as movement on off-speed pitches should be monitored closely as the early season progresses.

Song’s ability to spell third baseman Manny Machado and second baseman Jake Cronenworth will be mostly depend on the success of his at-bats. Manager Craig Stammen mentioned that the Padres could also use Song in the outfield. This would be explored in Spring Training, as was the case with Padres current center fielder Jackson Merrill.

While giving Padres fans early holiday gifts with signing starter Michael King and infielder Song, the Padres also added more minor league signees to add depth to the system.

José Miranda

Puerto Rican 3B/1B José Miranda, 27, was signed on Dec. 19 to a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training. Miranda spent all of his career in the Minnesota Twins organization. He last played for the Twins in 2025 but was optioned to Triple-A and removed from their 40-man roster. He elected free agency in November. He played 121 games for the Twins in 2024 with a .284 batting average and .763 OPS. He finished that season with nine homers and 49 RBI.

Sodrac Franco

RHP Franco, 25, signed a minor league deal with the Padres while pitching for the Jaguares de Nayarit of the Mexican Winter League. He possesses a fastball up to 100 m.p.h. and in 18 games and 23.2 innings pitching in winter ball, he has a 0.76 ERA with a 3-0 record, 14 strikeouts, two walks and seven saves.

DJ Snelton

LHP Snelton, 33, signed a minor league contract with the Padres. Nick Sanzeri (on X) shared a video with stats on Snelton while reporting his signing on Dec. 20.

DJ Snelten, free agent
6’7, 260lbs
Fastball: 97-99mph, t100-102
Slider: 84-88
Changeup: 82-85

Reach out for additional information. pic.twitter.com/dKOZJWi7rK

— Nick Sanzeri (@SanzeriBaseball) December 20, 2025

Andrew Dalquist

RHP Dalquist, 25, was reportedly signed to a minor league contract by the Padres. He has been in Double-A Birmingham the past two seasons, playing in the Chicago White Sox organization. He had a 3.20 ERA in 2025 in 56.1 innings pitched with 50 strikeouts and 40 walks. Poor command seems to be a consistent issue for Dalquist.

Carlos Medina

RHP Medina, 21, is an international amateur sign out of Mexico for a $150,000 bonus. He sits 91-95 m.p.h. on his fastball with a slider and changeup. He could be converted to a starter and has been pitching for Jaguares de Nayarit in Mexico. Pitching as a reliever, Medina has thrown 26.1 innings in 25 games with a 3-0 record and 2.73 ERA. He has 24 strikeouts to nine walks.

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Former Padres 1B/DH Ryan O’Hearn signed a two-year, $30 million deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Not surprising that the Padres couldn’t or wouldn’t match that offer.

LHP Yuki Matsui has committed to pitch for Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...add-infielder-multiple-minor-league-contracts

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Minor league moves dominate Padres’ offseason activity

The San Diego Padres have been making moves, but the majority of the moves this offseason have come at the minor league level with a few invitations to Spring Training for specific signees. San Diego has made two significant additions to its roster with one addition, Michael King, looking more like a retention. The other significant signing involved an infielder from the KBO, Sung-Mun Song, and he is unproven at the MLB level and could need time to adjust to the speed and movement of pitches in MLB. The Padres still need to add their starting rotation and while trade speculation has swirled around San Diego, additions to the pitching staff may need to come from short-term additions like the possibility of adding 36-year-old Chris Basitt. Time will tell how San Diego addresses its needs, but it is inevitable that the needs are addressed.

Baseball News:

• The Chicago Cubs continued to make additions to bolster their bullpen. According to reports, the Cubs agreed to a deal with reliever Hunter Harvey, but the move has not been officially announced by the team and is pending a physical.

• The Cincinnati Reds and the Miami Marlins agreed to swap outfielders with the Reds acquiring Dane Myers in exchange for Ethan O’Donnell.

• Prior to the trade with the Marlins, the Reds agreed to terms on a one-year, $1.4 million deal with outfielder JJ Bleday.

• Infielder Yoan Moncado is drawing interest from several teams. He played with the Los Angeles Angels during the 2025 season and they are reportedly one of the teams interested in adding Moncada.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...ague-moves-dominate-padres-offseason-activity