What is the story about?
San Diego Padres President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller has shown a willingness to take advantage of veteran players on low-cost deals. Walker Buehler was the latest signing, but prior to that he added Griffin Canning, German Marquez and Ty France. The addition of France makes the competition for reps at first base and designated hitter more intense as he will compete with the incumbent Gavin Sheets as well as Miguel Andujar and Nick Castellanos for playing time and a roster
spot.
Padres News:
- Preller received a much-anticipated extension on Monday and AJ Cassavell of Padres.com believes that is significant for the 2026 season. With the Preller extension complete, it allows him to continue to focus on the roster and although there was a flurry of signings over the holiday weekend, Preller may not be done adding to his roster.
- The minor-league deal between the Padres and Buehler became official Tuesday with the right-hander receiving $1.5 million if he makes the roster. Once on the roster he could earn up to $2.5 million in bonuses.
- The deal with Marquez was also announced on Tuesday. He will ern $1 million and has a $750K buyout on a mutual option. Marquez will have the ability to increase his earnings through performance bonuses.
- The deal with Canning was also made official on Tuesday. He is guaranteed $2.5 million in salary and a buyout and could earn more money with performance bonuses. As a result of adding Canning to the roster, the Padres designated outfielder Tirso Ornelas for assignment.
Baseball News:
- Kris Bryant has not spent much time on the field during his tenure with the Colorado Rockies and it appears 2026 will be no different. Bryant explained he suffers from backpain daily which has been a chronic issue since he arrived in Colorado.
- Minnesota Twins pitcher Pablo Lopez left Spring Training early Monday with a sore elbow. Imaging confirmed Lopez has “significant tearing” in his UCL and could require season-ending surgery.
- Tony Clark, the head of the Major League Baseball Players Association, resigned Tuesday after an investigation revealed he had an inappropriate relationship with an employee. Clark’s successor has not yet been named.
