With the recent MLB Winter Meetings dominating headlines, there has been a noticeable lack of news regarding the San Diego Padres, although speculation has been rampant.
Numerous baseball analysts have suggested that the Padres may need to trade Fernando Tatis Jr. in light of their ownership change and budget constraints. However, President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller attempted to quell these rumors during the meetings, asserting that Tatis will remain with the team.
Another rumor involved the potential shift of Mason Miller or Adrian Morejon from the bullpen to the starting rotation. This speculation held some weight as Preller acknowledged it had been considered earlier, yet he stated that the plan had largely been dismissed during the meetings.
There were also rumors about members of the bullpen, including Miller and Morejon, being on the trading block in search of starting pitching. Preller clarified that this was not on the agenda, emphasizing the bullpen’s strength and his intention to maintain that advantage.
Jake Cronenworth has also been a topic of trade discussions, as many teams are interested in acquiring a defensively talented and versatile infielder with offensive value. Since securing a $12 million annual extension through 2030, Cronenworth has remained a consistent presence on the roster and is seen as a team leader.
Recent discussions have surfaced about several players, including Miller, Morejon, Jeremiah Estrada, Nick Pivetta, and Ramón Laureano, with the New York Mets expressing interest. The Padres are reportedly engaged in negotiations to acquire both pitchers and position players from the Mets’ young prospects and major leaguers.
Coaching Updates
The Padres appear to have finalized their coaching staff, although official announcements are pending. Many new hires have ties to manager Craig Stammen. Retaining existing coaches such as Brian Esposito and Ruben Niebla, the Padres have also appointed Randy Knorr as a second bench coach. Steven Souza, a new hitting coach with a background as a power hitter, reflects the organization’s focus on aggressive offense.
Player Updates
Minor league contracts have been signed with RHP Misael Tamarez and RHP Evan Fitterer. Former closer Robert Suarez has signed a lucrative three-year, $45 million contract with the Atlanta Braves as a setup man. Additionally, several Padres players, including Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, will represent their countries in the World Baseball Classic.
Winter Ball Performance
A.J. Preller noted that Luis Campusano has concluded his stint in the Dominican Winter League, finishing with a batting average of .200/.293/.340. There are questions about his future with the team, as he will have to showcase his abilities this spring to secure a spot on the major league roster, with limited options for minor league assignment.
