MLB Winter Meetings were intriguing for baseball fans, but left fans of the San Diego Padres wanting more. There was some clarity about the bullpen and payroll, but how general manager A.J. Preller is going to address all the needs on the San Diego roster remains in question. It does seem that trades will be the most likely method.
If Preller is able to consummate one or more trades, perhaps that will create some financial room for the Padres to pursue starting pitching on the free agent market. Other
than Dylan Cease, who signed with the Toronto Blue Jays, all the top free agent pitchers remain available.
Gaslamp Ball asked its readers to make a choice. If given the chance, would the Friar Faithful add Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez, Michael King, Zac Gallen or another arm? Admittedly, an opportunity to sign one of these pitchers is a longshot, but its never zero.
Padres News:
- MLB announced the Padres and the Arizona Diamondbacks will play the Mexico City Series in 2026. The series will consist of two games and will take place April 25 and 26 at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helu Beisbol.
- With news that Mason Miller will remain in the San Diego bullpen and not be converted to a starter, Thomas Conroy of Gaslamp Ball looks at the impact that decision can have on the 2026 season.
- The second day of winter meetings was largely filled with interviews and comments from Padres general manager A.J. Preller. Granted, he has the ability to say a lot without saying much at all, but he reaffirmed what manager Craig Stammen said the previous day, the bullpen will remain intact.
- Preller was asked many times in various ways of star right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. was untouchable and he would never give a direct answer to the question. AJ Cassavell of Padres.com reported Preller said Wednesday, “He’s somebody that we’re not talking about.” Dennis Lin of The Athletic reported teams have called about Tatis and continue to do so, but San Diego has no desire to trade him. Surely the fanbases in New York and Boston will be sad to see this report, but it should put an end to the speculation.
- Cassavell added another report where he outlines the needs of the Padres, and reminds fans that with Preller you can always expect something. Cassavell said San Diego will continue to work throughout the winter despite not making any significant moves during the meetings and Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune has similar expectations.
Baseball News:
- Pete Alonso found his home for the next five seasons, agreeing to a $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles. Alonso was the second former New York Mets player to leave Queens for another team in two days.
- Outfielder Mike Yastrzemski and the Atlanta Braves agreed to a two-year, $23 million deal.
- The Rule 5 Draft took place and 13 players were selected. The Padres did not make a selection and no minor leaguers from the San Diego system were selected.
- The top free agent position player available, Kyle Tucker, is drawing interest from the New York Mets and New York Yankees. There are other clubs who have shown interest, but a potential landing spot remains in question.
- Tucker is not the only free agent drawing interest from the Yankees. New York is reportedly remaining engaged with Cody Bellinger and considering re-signing him to keep him in pinstripes.
- Pitcher Freddy Peralta is a Milwaukee Brewer. Whether or not he remains a Brewer is unknown. The Yankees, Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants have all shown a willingness to trade for the right-hander.
- One-time Texas Rangers outfielder Joey Gallo is looking to make a return to MLB, this time as a pitcher. Reportedly several teams have shown interest in adding him for that position.
- MLB announcer Joe Buck will join his father in the National Baseball Hall of Fame as the 2026 Ford C. Frick Award Winner.
