The General Manager’s Meetings held yearly for MLB executives, agents and players usually kicks off the free agent and trading season between baseball’s end and baseball beginning for the next year. This year is a bit different with an expected labor stoppage and lockout beginning late Dec. 1.
This might be the only chance for all the interested parties to meet before Spring Training begins in 2027, whenever that may be. Super agent Scott Boras even moved up his yearly address to the media that features
his puns and stories. Normally, the GM Meetings is a lot of baseball business for the executives. Reviewing rule changes, assessing goals, discussing plans but not a lot of action with players.
As it turns out, this one looked very similar. The thought that lots of free agency business would be carried out turned out to be a myth. But there was some progress made for the San Diego Padres.
A.J. Preller adds some spice
We all know not to expect any details or specifics from anything Preller says during any of his media sessions. He is usually vague and talks in circles for the most part. This time he did a lot more of the same but was willing to be specific about wanting to re-sign Michael King. He will have no definite timeline for Yu Darvish but trusts him to do what is right for the team. Darvish will let them know if he is pitching next year at an appropriate time and is putting his family first.
Preller is in consistent contact with Joe Musgrove and they will have a plan in place for him in the next couple of weeks.
He detailed the decision to pass on Nick Pivetta’s option, saying they are still interested in a reunion but with a different contract. The unspoken message is that Pivetta is not necessarily healthy, and the team needs protections.
Most importantly, Preller said that the team payroll plan will be set after returning from the meetings. They were feeling out the market, talking to all players and agents about the parameters and where contracts will fall, numbers-wise.
Preller, Vice President Josh Stein, CEO Erik Greupner, and owners Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano will set the payroll and budget for 2027 based on the needs and players on the wish list.
Preller was asked if he wanted three or four starters for the roster and he replied, “keep going.” He also specified a need to add a bat and to shore up the bullpen that has lost Jason Adam and Adrian Morejon to free agency.
The rumors continue to fly regarding the Padres being interested in Tarik Skubal. It was even leaked that Skubal will meet with Padres owners and executives next week in Orange County. Scott Boras is the agent for the ace starter and would not schedule a meeting if he didn’t think the team was serious. It seems a stretch, considering all the needs the team has, that Skubal would be a fit.
More wiggle room
The Padres have a little money coming off the books this year and even more the next two years. The new owners have signalled to baseball their willingness to invest in winning. The word flexibility was used by Preller when describing his payroll situation this offseason.
Assuming the Spotrac numbers to be correct, the Padres have approximately $208.6 million committed, using estimates for the arb and pre-arb players. The 2026 payroll settled at $260.7 million by the end. If they are just aiming to keep the payroll level for 2027, that gives the front office $52 million to add in salary. If they are willing to go above last year, there is even more wiggle room.
Those numbers include Darvish and all three catchers. There remains a stubborn rumor going around that one of the three catchers will be part of a trade package. Preller even mentioned the popularity of his catchers when discussing how nice it was to have three on the roster.
Japanese players are on the list
The Padres are said to be heavily involved in the free agent Japanese players heading to MLB. The rules are a bit different regarding free agency for Teruaki Sato, Kaima Taira, and Hiromi Itoh. They must sign before the Dec. 1 deadline if they want to play in 2027.
To me, Itoh seems particulary attractive and is considered the safest bet of the two pitchers available. He is a workhorse who throws strikes and could fit directly into a rotation without a lot of adjustments.
Limited trade options
The Padres have some talent in the minors but most have not come into their own yet, if they ever do. Preller always manages to find someone who wants some of his minor leaguers, but it’s getting harder the more he trades away. The major league roster leaves little that is tempting that the team can spare. The two most mentioned names are Jake Cronenworth and one of their two backup catchers, Luis Campusano and Freddie Fermin. That might be enough to get a back-end starter or some relief help. The idea of trading Mason Miller for a starter seems ridiculous if the team really is trying to win.
Preller on the Prowl
The next three weeks could be wild or disappointing. Depends on which way the market decides to fall when it comes to gambling on the new CBA terms. But the Padres seemed to be signaling a willingness to be busy and fill out at least part of their roster before everything comes to a screeching halt. Given the budget to work with, Preller could get a lot of players marked off that wish list.
Padres News:
- Some would say Manny Machado had a down year. Others would say it was another season with 30 home runs and an example of his consistency. Lincoln Zdunich has a position in that debate and that is reflected in his grade for Machado’s 2026 season.
- AJ Cassavell of Padres.com recaps what was learned about the Padres’ approach to the offseason during the GM Meetings.
- The Padres have one returning starter and nothing to bring up from the minor leagues to address their rotation needs, so they will have to spend.
- The Padres, Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs have all shown interest in adding the same Japanese starter according to MLB Trade Rumors.
Baseball News:
- Here are the latest rumors from around MLB.
- Jake Bauers departs Milwaukee and heads to the Boston Red Sox on a four-year deal.
- The Los Angeles Angels re-signed catcher Tyler Heineman to a one-year deal.
- Ja-Wook Koo is looking to make the move from the KBO to MLB.
