The 2026 MLB international amateur prospect signing period opens later this month and Cheri Bell of Gaslamp Ball breaks down what that means for the San Diego Padres. She also includes the known targets
for the Padres and what money has already been committed to the amateur class. San Diego has committed a large sum of its international pool money, but has money left to spend should the scouts identify additional players who could fit in the Padres’ system.
Padres News:
- Bradgley Rodriguez introduced himself to the Friar Faithful in the 2025 season and showed flashes of limitless potential. He has the stuff to be a big part of the bullpen in his second season, but he has to demonstrate improved consistency in the spring.
- Matt Waldon and his knuckleball burst onto the MLB scene in 2024 and at points during the season, he was the best starter in the San Diego rotation. However, he struggled to find the same success last season and spent the year in the minors. With an unsettled back end of the rotation, Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune look at what Waldron will have to do to rejoin the big-league club in 2026.
Baseball News:
- Expectations around MLB are that trade talks involving Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta will gain momentum with the holiday season in the rearview mirror.
- When the Boston Red Sox traded for Willson Contreras to serve as their first baseman/designated hitter, it brought up questions about the future of Tristan Casas in Boston. The Red Sox will have several options with Casas, but all of those options depend on him being healthy.
- The Baltimore Orioles continue to try to keep pace in the American League East. Baltimore claimed outfielder Jhonkensy Noel off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians, adding another bat with big-league potential to their organization. The Orioles are expected to remain active and are reportedly still looking to add pitching.
- Don Mattingly, who went to the World Series as part of the Toronto Blue Jays coaching staff in 2025, is heading to Philadelphia to be the bench coach for the Phillies. It was also reported, Monday that Philadelphia has interest in outfielder Randal Grichuk.
- Former Padres catcher Jorge Alfaro agreed to a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals.
