The San Diego Padres are making waves in the baseball world once again! But this time, it's not just about their on-field performance, it's about the front office's bold moves and the challenges they face.
A New Manager, A Familiar Problem
In the bustling hallways of Las Vegas' The Cosmopolitan hotel, MLB executives and agents couldn't help but notice the Padres' recent managerial change—their fourth in six years. But the real buzz? The starting pitching dilemma. With Craig Stammen at the helm, the team's success hinges on bolstering their starting rotation.
A Clear Offseason Priority
"Starting pitching is on everyone's mind," admitted Padres' president of baseball operations, A.J. Preller. And with good reason. The free agency of Michael King and Dylan Cease, coupled with Yu Darvish's injury, leaves a gaping hole in the rotation. Preller emphasizes, "It's not just a need; it's our top priority."
A Two-Pronged Approach
The Padres are on the hunt for not one, but two quality starters. And while they're also in the market for a first baseman, the focus is clear. With Darvish out for the season, the current rotation looks thin. But the Padres might have a creative solution...
Converting Relievers: A Bold Strategy?
The team is considering converting one of their relievers into a starter, following the footsteps of Seth Lugo (2023), King (2024), and Stephen Kolek (2025). This time, candidates include Jeremiah Estrada, Mason Miller, or Adrian Morejón. However, with closer Robert Suarez opting out and the bullpen's stellar 2025 performance, this move seems less likely.
Internal vs. External Solutions
Preller acknowledges the importance of balance, stating, "We don't want to compromise our bullpen's strength." But the idea of converting relievers isn't off the table. Conversations with these pitchers will begin soon, gauging their interest and readiness for such a transition. Alternatively, the Padres might look outside, but not at the top of the free-agent market.
A Trade-Off: Top Talent or Draft Picks?
Cease and King, both given qualifying offers, are expected to reject them. This means the Padres could gain two valuable draft picks. But is this the best strategy? Trade talks might offer a more direct path to finding that mid-rotation pitcher. Preller hints at the GM meetings' purpose, saying, "We're here to get a better sense of the market." And these meetings have proven fruitful in the past, as evidenced by the Juan Soto trade discussions.
Payroll Predictions: A Fluid Situation
Discussing payroll this early in the offseason is like reading tea leaves. The Padres, like many teams, are still finalizing their 2026 budget. Typically, they define their spending around the holidays. Preller confirms, "We're gathering information, and soon, we'll strategize with ownership." Their current commitments total around $200 million, but the final number remains a mystery.
Ownership's Commitment: A Competitive Edge
Despite the uncertainty, Padres CEO Erik Greupner assures fans of the ownership's dedication. He states, "We aim to invest every dollar in our on-field product." This commitment has kept the Padres in the top 10 in payroll, a position they're keen to maintain. And with their local television revenue on the lower end, their dedication to non-media revenue, attendance records, and season ticket price increases become even more crucial.
Niebla's Promotion: A Strategic Move
In a significant development, pitching coach Ruben Niebla is set to gain the title of associate manager. His expanded role will leverage his strategic insights beyond pitching. "He's one of the best coaches in the sport," Stammen praised. This promotion also means more responsibility for bullpen coach Ben Fritz, who recently signed a two-year extension. The Padres are expected to retain most of their coaching staff, but they're also on the lookout for a bench coach, a hitting coach, and a third base coach.
Ethan Salas: A Promising Return
The Padres' top prospect, catcher Ethan Salas, is back in action after a stress reaction in his back cut his 2025 season short. Preller is optimistic, saying, "He's swinging the bat at 100%." The team is now deciding between winter ball and preparing for the 2026 season. With Salas turning 19 this year, his development is a key focus.
