Forum
Forum Navigation
2025-26 Offseason thread
#581 · February 1, 2026, 11:04 am
Obviously a moving target for the Padres' line-up but today's MLBTR piece on the Padres leaves me with the thought that Cronenworth holds 2B ... Sheets is 1B ... Song is multi-position (part DH / part field to allow others to DH).
Still they report that Preller believes he will add a meaningful player into the DH/1B mix (can debate the definition of "meaningful"). I expect a RHH to platoon at a minimum with Sheets who clearly struggles vs LHP. MLBTR noted the FA but I think a legit possibility is adding via trade from the well stocked bullpen. With a trade a chance they could land a "full time" RHH 1B (long control / low cost) and sit Sheets as the DH then needing only some part-time configuration to sit him vs LHP. IF they think Song can handle LHP then a chance to rest Machado - Bogaerts - Croneworth in the DH slot and use Song in the field. Although would still like to add a RHH OF besides the 1B more more flexibility and the platoon DH.
Side: I am very comfortable with Cronenworth locked in at 2B. Last season he delivered a 2.9 WAR and was an above average hitter and plus fielder ... Top 10 2B in MLB. I do like stability / consistency and IF the Padres do land a full time 1B all the field positions could be handled by players (baring injury) that are capable starting 150+ games (catcher maybe 120). That just leaves the DH with Sheets and a rotational "rest stop" for the regulars.
I am still looking out for a potential trade for Vientos (Mets) or Mayo (Orioles) to fill a full time 1B role.
Randy Manese has reacted to this post.
Randy Manese
#582 · February 1, 2026, 12:47 pm
CWS just designated Jairo Iriarte for assignment (still only 24). Was an elite prospect for the Padres only a couple of years ago and many were upset he was dealt:
Chicago White Sox traded RHP Dylan Cease to San Diego Padres for RHP Drew Thorpe, RHP Jairo Iriarte, OF Samuel Zavala and RHP Steven Wilson.
That trade ... advantage Padres.
Wonder if Iriarte is worth a waiver claim ... had a very poor 2025 in ML/AAA but still only 24 (had a good 2024 in AA) and has a minor league option left ... Padres have two open roster slots. If the scouts see any upside left (probably as a RP) and if the Padres plan to use current RP as trade chips ... he might be good AAA insurance and have a future (6 years control remaining). Can always DFA him if he does not workout ... so no harm to foul.
#583 · February 1, 2026, 12:53 pm
Both Adam and Estrada are very good, maybe even better, against LHB than RHB. A veteran team like the Mets (who really don't care about the AAV or cash flow) might want to take on Adam over Estrada while Estrada will likely be more appealing to the Orioles. I can see Morgan or Rodriguez taking on a higher leverage role, but there are always dark horses both on and off the 40-man, that, with a little tweaking, look unhittable in ST. I think Preller will string this out until the last possible moment to get the most value in trade, so looking for that last position player to solidify the 2026 team come in around the 2nd week of March.
If we say Vientos/Mayo holds a spot in the batting order and shares 1b/DH spot with Sheets, then the 4 spots on the bench would go to semi-regulars Song (LH) and Campusano (RH) followed by Johnson (switch) or Taylor (RH) and Miranda (RH) or Wagner (LH). Of course, we could find someone out of the blue, like Solano in 2024 or even get someone unexpected in a salary dump like Castellanos. Is Le Mahieu still available? Should be an interesting spring!
#584 · February 1, 2026, 1:54 pm
Zac Gallen is still a FA. Anyone think AJ should sign him and be a good fit?
#585 · February 1, 2026, 2:24 pm
Quote from ultratvfan on February 1, 2026, 1:54 pmZac Gallen is still a FA. Anyone think AJ should sign him and be a good fit?
Will be too expensive and because he turned down the QO would cost the Padres a draft pick.
A lot of teams still would like to add him as a SP ... so even if he starts to drop his ask some team will still outbid the Padres.
#586 · February 1, 2026, 2:41 pm
Someone convince me why we want Vientos and his poor OBP skills.
Is he a plus defender at 1B?
It just looks like 2024 was an anomaly….he wasn’t even good last season against lefties.
#587 · February 1, 2026, 3:39 pm
RHP Jairo Iriarte just DFA by White Sox. Hope we can claim him - saw a lot of potential when he was in our system and a key piece in the Cease trade. Get him to Niebla!
#588 · February 1, 2026, 5:33 pm
Quote from MrPadre19 on February 1, 2026, 2:41 pmSomeone convince me why we want Vientos and his poor OBP skills.
Is he a plus defender at 1B?
It just looks like 2024 was an anomaly….he wasn’t even good last season against lefties.
I was thinking Sheets was DH with some 1b and of. I he is default at 1b, then Vientos not so wise. Cost would be dear relative to roi.
Still think Castellanos fsr. Rather have France.
#589 · February 1, 2026, 5:39 pm
Quote from Randy Manese on February 1, 2026, 3:39 pmRHP Jairo Iriarte just DFA by White Sox. Hope we can claim him - saw a lot of potential when he was in our system and a key piece in the Cease trade. Get him to Niebla!
Isaiah Lowe and Jacob for him.Got a funny feeling on Iriarte re late innings guy.
#590 · February 1, 2026, 6:04 pm
Quote from Commie on February 1, 2026, 5:33 pmQuote from MrPadre19 on February 1, 2026, 2:41 pmSomeone convince me why we want Vientos and his poor OBP skills.
Is he a plus defender at 1B?
It just looks like 2024 was an anomaly….he wasn’t even good last season against lefties.
I was thinking Sheets was DH with some 1b and of. I he is default at 1b, then Vientos not so wise. Cost would be dear relative to roi.
Still think Castellanos fsr. Rather have France.
Depends on the price to get him (he does have control and is at minimum) ... but he is more an addition to Sheets not a replacement.
Sheets is a poor defensive 1B (or LF or RH) and is not productive vs LHP (note the lack of power). If they play Sheets as the DH, Vientos (who hits LHP better than Sheets) is the platoon. Then the issue is still 1B where there is a major hole ... faith in Song (L) or Campusano (R)? Depending on other moves Vientos may land 1B.
Team could probably use both Vientos and France as platoons with Song and Sheets but that weakens the versatility on the bench. Neither are going to push for regular status but as platoon roles ... OK.
Actually would look at Miguel Andujar ... really hits LHP ... can play LF/1B/3B ... not considered a full time player given the ongoing risk of injury. Not getting much FA traction but likely a 1 year deal type at less than $5MM. If a trade ... a stronger offer would be needed to get Mayo out of Baltimore is appealing (longer control and better upside).
Keep in mind, Padres need a RHH bat (hopefully with power) and even just a good / average option is better than having to pick from the current group. There is a lot less out there (available and low cost) than we would want.