Padres FanFest was the unofficial kickoff to the San Diego Padres season giving fans a chance to hear from front office personnel, the manager and various players. The Padres started the week leading into FanFest with the announcement of the San Diego promotional schedule, which included nine different bobbleheads. The collectibles included players past and present as well as Don Orsillo and Mark Grant from the Padres television booth. The Friar Faithful who responded to the Padres Reacts Survey
on Gaslamp Ball said they would like to get to Petco Park for the opportunity to receive the Trevor Hoffman bobblehead. The Hall of Fame closer converted 601 saves during his MLB career and will be fondly remembered for his time in San Diego, which included a 53 save season in 1998 that helped the Padres reach the World Series against the New York Yankees.
Padres News:
- Fernando Tatis Jr. spoke openly at Padres FanFest about his offensive struggles during the 2025 season. He attributed some of the issues to mechanics and some in the media have questioned whether off-field issues, such as a lawsuit with a lender, may have taken some of his focus away from the field. Whatever the issue or issues were, Tatis Jr. said they are behind him and he is ready to show why he believes he is one of the best players in the game.
- Mark Polishuk of MLB Trade Rumors says the Padres have shown interest in free agent first baseman and former Padre Ty France. The Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Mets and New York Yankees are also reported to be interested in France.
Baseball News:
- One of the top remaining free agents knows where he will play the 2026 season. Eugenio Suarez and the Cincinnati Reds agreed to a one-year, $15 million contract.
- The Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox agreed to a trade that sent pitchers Jordan Hicks and minor leaguer David Sandlin to Chicago in exchange for minor league pitcher Gage Ziehl. To make room on their roster the White Sox designated catcher Drew Romo and former Padres pitcher Jairo Iriarte.
- New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto has committed to play for Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. Athletics starter Luis Severino and Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Dennis Santana also committed to the team.
- With Eugenio Suarez signing with the Reds, the Diamondbacks have shifted their focus to other free agents and they are reportedly interested in first baseman Carlos Santana.
