The San Diego Padres made no moves during the General Manager’s meetings, but none were expected. They still haven’t finished filling out their coaching group, so a slow start to the offseason isn’t a surprise.
With a new bench coach and hitting coach on board, the organization is still looking for its third base coach. So far, the coaches have all been former teammates and/or acquaintances of manager Craig Stammen. It seems safe to say the last hire will be consistent with that mold.
The Padres announced that there will be a 2026 FanFest for Padres fans. Jan. 31 is the date to be saved!
With Michael King and Dylan Cease refusing their qualifying offers, the chance of either of them returning appears slim. There are thoughts that Luis Arraez would be an easier sign, but with the assumed limited budget, it seems a waste of resources to sign a one-tool player.
Arbitration-eligible players
The Padres tendered contracts to their six eligible players – Jason Adam, Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon, JP Sears, Freddy Fermin and Gavin Sheets. The contract deadline is Jan. 8. After that, the parties have to exchange salary figures, and the hearings would take place in February. Padres President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller has never gone to arbitration during his tenure with the organization.
Rehabbing RHP Jhonny Brito was also tendered a contract. He should be returning from his UCL surgery in the first half of the 2026 season. When he came to the Padres, he had been groomed as a starter, but was used as a reliever until his injury. There has been no word on what role the team sees him taking going forward.
Non-tendered players
LHP Omar Cruz and RHP Sean Reynolds were both released by the team at the non-tender deadline. Neither was arbitration eligible, so each would be expected to make minimum salary on the roster. But the moves seem to indicate their roster spots were more important to the team. They could both be re-signed to minor league contracts, if they want to stay with the organization. With the addition of Garrett Hawkins and Miguel Mendez, these moves keep the Padres at 34 players on their roster.
Free agent sign
Outfielder Carlos Rodriguez, 24, was reportedly signed to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite. Previously with the Atlanta Braves system, Rodriguez has played well in the minor leagues, but has not had any success sticking with a major league roster.
Minor leaguers in Winter ball
Catcher Luis Campusano has a one-year contract for 2026 and is out of options, so the moment of truth comes this spring. He is also playing in the Dominican Winter league with Tigres de Licey. Other Padres minor leaguers are also playing Winter ball, but no major league players are currently playing with any of the four leagues.
Most of the Padres minor league players have been playing for a short time, so the first update on these players will be after they have had more appearances. Newly signed utility player, Pablo Reyes, is playing with Gigantes del Cabao (Dominican) and is hitting .136 with a .384 OPS in 59 at-bats. Catcher Rudolfo Duran is with Estrellas Orientales (Dominican) and has 35 at-bats with a .457 average and a 1.215 OPS. He has two home runs and six RBI.
The other six are with either the Dominican, Mexican or Venezuelan leagues. There will be an update next week with their progress.
- It was reported that Dylan Cease had agreed to a seven-year, $21o million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays after this report was submitted.
