What is the story about?
Four of the five groups that have submitted bids to become the new owners of the San Diego Padres have been identified, but the fifth group or individual is unknown. It was reported Thursday that former San Diego Chargers quarterback and NFL Hall of Famer Drew Brees is a part of one of the groups that have submitted bids. The sale process is expected to move quickly and the new owners reportedly could be in place sometime soon after the start of the 2026 regular season.
Padres News:
- The Padres lost to the Cincinnati Reds 11-10 on Thursday, but Manny Machado was the story. The third baseman crushed two game-tying home runs, one of which was a grand slam. Sung-Mun Song recorded his first hit as a member of the Padres and Nick Pivetta made his first start of Spring Training. San Diego continues play today with a matchup against the Colorado Rockies.
- Padres reliever Yuki Matsui, who is recovering from a groin injury, was officially removed from the World Baseball Classic roster for Team Japan on Thursday.
- David Morgan is already established as another elite arm in arguably the top bullpen in baseball in San Diego. However, he is looking to improve his standing in the bullpen with a strong Spring Training.
- Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that Joe Musgrove had a solid outing in a simulated game and that he could be close to making his first start since his Tommy John surgery.
- Dennis Lin of The Athletic answered questions from readers regarding the Padres. He touched on multiple topics including the sale of the team, A.J. Preller’s contract extension, salary and free agency and the catching position.
Baseball News:
- Pitcher Tatsuya Imai made his first spring appearance for the Houston Astros and it went well according to reports.
- New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean made his first start of the spring as he gets ready to compete for Team USA in the WBC.
- Long-time former MLB umpire Bruce Froemming died Wednesday at the age of 86.
- The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown opened a new exhibit that features the WBC.
- The Athletics have approached Nick Kurtz about a possible contract extension after his breakout 2025 season.
- Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis was scratched from Thursday’s lineup due to right side tightness.
