Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Padres fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The finances of the San Diego Padres have been a topic of discussion for fans and media members alike through this point in the offseason. There are sites where you can see what the current and projected payroll will be, but without knowing what the organization is willing to spend
its all speculation. Of course, with the announcement that the Seidler family could consider selling the team, it would appear the Padres will have another offseason of one surprise acquisition, like Nick Pivetta, and that will be surrounded by a litany of smaller moves, such as Jason Heyward, Martin Maldonado, Yuli Gurriel, etc.
Shopping in the bargain bin is not the most exciting experience, but it may be the most prudent for a team that is saddled with big contracts that will see many of the players making large sums of money into their late 30s and early 40s. This expected financial constraint has caused some fanbases from teams like the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and New York Mets, to dream on the thought of a trade involving their team and the Padres in which they end up with Fernando Tatis Jr. San Diego has said it will not trade the two-time Platinum Glove-winning right fielder.
So when Padres general manager and president of baseball operations A.J. Preller decides to make a run at a free agent this offseason, who should it be? Should it be a player who can address the lack of slug and home runs that saw the Padres drop to 28th in major league baseball in that category in 2025? Should it be an arm that could take the place of Michael King or Dylan Cease, who reportedly agreed to a seven-year, $210 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, Wednesday? Should it be a player who fills a defensive need, such as first base?
Gaslamp Ball would like to know, if you were in charge of the finances for the Padres and could take one big swing in free agency, where should that money be spent?
Results of the poll will be provided later in the week.
