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2025-26 Offseason thread
#611 · February 5, 2026, 7:56 am
Quote from MrPadre19 on February 5, 2026, 7:01 amSo, other than a lower end arm or two free agent signing, or barring a trade for a SP, we're pretty much done I would think?
Still think some use of the stocked bullpen can maybe return a SP (probably a potential #4-5 / low cost to bump Sears to a #6 ... he has a minor league option) but only if that pitcher is one Preller has a lot of confidence in ... not just trading to add a body. Possibly adding a defensive oriented #2 catcher (allowing Campusano to battle for that slot and, maybe more importantly battle for the RHH DH/1B role.
So, maybe more of the fringe / tinkering mode.
UNLESS, they solve the Darvish issue in a way that clears 2026 CASH ... CASH seems to be the main issue not CBT penalty level ... hard to see adding an impact (read costly) player. Timing of that is important, if it is not concluded soon those impact options will be signed elsewhere. The exception could be Preller finding another Pivetta type contract ... little cash in year one and big payout in year two (not easy to find).
Sort of the same on new ownership ... don't expect that to be concluded soon enough to impact near term signings (even if you assume new owners will immediately infuse more cash on payroll).
Maybe the under promise and over deliver strategy is possible ... a lot of moving parts here.
#612 · February 5, 2026, 12:56 pm
Noting that the Andujar contract is structured at $1.5MM (plus incentives) for 2026 plus a $2.5MM buyout of a mutual option in 2027 ... AAV remains at $4MM but CASH is limited in 2026. That for such a small amount suggests that CASH is at (or very near) their max. Factor that into any trade / FA scenarios near term.
That made me look at the feasibility of Sheets and Andujar being more full time than platoon ... Song becomes the super utility bench piece to give regulars rests (either just off or as DH).
Looking at Andujar over the past 3 seasons he had an overall 113 wRC+ ... outstanding vs LHP (169) but still very good vs RHP (94). That may earn him a lot of time vs both LH and RH pitchers. Expect him to get a long audition at 1B in ST.
Then jump to Sheets ... over the past 3 seasons he was not exceptional vs RHP (95) and terrible vs LHP (65). However, in 2025 his performance vs all pitching improved vs RHP (119) and LHP (89). Is that a result of getting out from CWS? Will that continue or get better with returning to 1B for the OF role? If keeps the 2025 level ... might justify him in a full time role vs both sides. Padres may not have to seek a clear platoon partner for Sheets.
Song is a real unknown but even as a bench piece could fit vs both LH and RH pitching.
Then the wild card is Campusano's offense ... killed AAA pitching in 2025 but needed to look at his ML numbers over the past 3 seasons. Better than most think (just considering offense for potential platoon DH). Overall 90 wRC+ with 91 vs LHP and 97 vs RHP.
Shuffle all four in their thinking ... gambling somewhat ... and Padres could go to the season without another offensive add (in crisis there is always the trade deadline). If any more left and limited trade chips ... near term target should be SP.
#613 · February 5, 2026, 1:00 pm
U-T’s spring training primer continues with a look at the Padres’ starting pitchers
Refresh my memory but didn't the Padres( and Pivetta) LOSE game 1 of the playoffs????
Editorial integrity at the SDUT is dropping a bit, no?
#614 · February 5, 2026, 1:21 pm
Quote from WindsorUK on February 5, 2026, 1:00 pmhttps://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/02/05/padres-spring-training-primer-starting-pitching-2/
Refresh my memory but didn't the Padres( and Pivetta) LOSE game 1 of the playoffs????
Editorial integrity at the SDUT is dropping a bit, no?
Yep, lost 3-1. Pivetta went 5 innings ... 3 hits, 0 BB, 9K ... but 2 runs in the 5th. Padres has virtually no offense ... only 4 hits (2 by Bogaerts).
#615 · February 5, 2026, 2:04 pm
Skubal wins arbitration and gets a record $32 million for 2026.
#616 · February 6, 2026, 5:58 am
Quote from MrPadre19 on February 5, 2026, 7:01 amSo, other than a lower end arm or two free agent signing, or barring a trade for a SP, we're pretty much done I would think?
Possibly still looking for a better backup catching option than Campusano and Hunt. Go Pads!
#617 · February 6, 2026, 6:15 am
You have to wonder if C, Jonah Heim is getting close to desperate. I believe he is in his last arb year and was not tendered a contract from TEX, he made $4.75M last season.
Is he getting to the point where he would take something in the $2-3M range so he can play? Not a great stick, but does have a WS under his belt and still just 31. Plus he is a SH, which is always nice in a C.
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#618 · February 6, 2026, 6:42 am
Quote from BoosterSD on February 6, 2026, 6:15 amYou have to wonder if C, Jonah Heim is getting close to desperate. I believe he is in his last arb year and was not tendered a contract from TEX, he made $4.75M last season.
Is he getting to the point where he would take something in the $2-3M range so he can play? Not a great stick, but does have a WS under his belt and still just 31. Plus he is a SH, which is always nice in a C.
Who's roster spot is he taking?
#619 · February 6, 2026, 7:16 am
Quote from MrPadre19 on February 6, 2026, 6:42 amQuote from BoosterSD on February 6, 2026, 6:15 amYou have to wonder if C, Jonah Heim is getting close to desperate. I believe he is in his last arb year and was not tendered a contract from TEX, he made $4.75M last season.
Is he getting to the point where he would take something in the $2-3M range so he can play? Not a great stick, but does have a WS under his belt and still just 31. Plus he is a SH, which is always nice in a C.
Who's roster spot is he taking?
40 man still has an open slot and will get one more when Darvish goes on the 60 day IL ... then probably another when Waldron (out of options) gets DFA ... the 26 man would be trickier ... Campusano out of options, Song / Andujar locked ... so one of Johnson or Wagner if he beats out McCoy.
I would wait for Heim to settle for a minor league deal with an invite to ST ... I know he had excellent 2022-23 both offensively and defensively but really dropped in 2024 and the even a further drop in 2025 in both offense and defense. Given the need for C across the league ... an arb number that is not prohibitive ... have to worry what Texas saw that would cause them to release him (or not achieve a minor trade).
I would not be giving him anything guaranteed given the money constraints.
#620 · February 6, 2026, 7:39 am
I don't think our bench is good enough to carry three Catchers.
If we knew Campy was going to have a good offensive year sure....but we don't.
We need another guy like Andujar who can hit off the bench or fill multiple positions if injury hits more than a 3rd Catcher IMO.
Or add a guy "instead" of Campy but I don't see that happening before Opening Day