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This offseason arrived sooner than expected for the San Diego Padres and it has only highlighted some of the issues the team has been needing to address. The roster holes are not even the biggest issue, that title is reserved for the Seidler family exploring the sale of the team. That announcement coupled with the sudden resignation of former manager Mike Shildt provided more questions about the San Diego franchise than what the Friar Faithful expected to have following the 2025 season. Cheri Bell of Gaslamp Ball lays out the uncertain future of the Padres, providing insight on each area of concern for the team that calls Petco Park home.
Padres News:
Jackson Merrill exploded onto the MLB scene in 2024 and finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting behind Pittsburgh Pirates Paul Skenes. The race was so close that it created debates about whether there should be a ROY award for pitchers and for position players. Merrill followed with a sophomore season that was hampered by injury. The Padres are looking for a big season from their centerfielder in 2026.
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Kyle Hart made the San Diego roster out of Spring Training and was the lone left-hander in the rotation last season. His MLB tenure was short lived, and he was shuttled to the minors before eventually returning to the big-league team at the end of the season. Hart re-signed with San Diego this offseason and will once again challenge for a spot in the rotation in the spring.
Baseball News:
Japanese free-agent infielder Kazuma Okamoto is has a deadline of Jan. 4 to sign a deal with an MLB team. Reports Monday stated Okamoto is meeting with suitors throughout the week. The Padres, Los Angeles Angels and Pittsburgh Pirates were all thought to be in the hunt, but the report stated the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox are also pursuing Okamoto.
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