Quote from fenn68 on February 11, 2026, 5:00 am

Quote from MrPadre19 on February 11, 2026, 3:58 am

Quote from fenn68 on February 10, 2026, 1:38 pm

Quote from BoosterSD on February 10, 2026, 1:28 pm

Quote from MrPadre19 on February 10, 2026, 12:26 pm

It's hard to believe the reports that we were not only in on Goldschmidt but also on Framber Valdez and now Zac Gallen?

Last year we thought we had no money to spend and then we signed Pivetta.

Now we thought we had no money to spend and we signed King and we are still in on other FA Starters?

It's almost like we aren't "broke".

I find it hard to believe that we are in on Gallen since he rejected a QO and it would not only cost SD money but a draft pick as well.

I do think he is poised for a bounce back season though!

With Gallen they would lose 2 draft picks and $1MM in international bonus money ... plus unlikely they could outbid BALT if the price stays up or be selected by Gallen if AZ wants him back at the SD price.

Hard to see Padres paying what it would take to land Gallen ... hoping his poor 2025 was a one off when the top of the rotation is headlined by Pivetta, King, and Musgrove ... nice IF he rebounds but dumb if he does not rebound.

Not suggesting it’s a good idea…..just that if we are even kicking the tires then I’m surprised considering current payroll.

 

Padres may be in zone of considering spending more but ONLY IF the target players comes in at the Padres' price. That would be more consistent with Preller's approach of first determining value to the Padres, setting a max, and holding at that level, then moving on to alternatives if nothing is coming together. Don't believe the additional spending potential is a large amount ... but some is there for the right player at the right price (Preller's price).

Hard to tell what the Preller thinks on the value of any player ... specifically for the Padres. Usually not the same as the players value to others or national evaluation sites. Additionally, Preller may still be restricted on 2026 cash ... so offers are "creative" (Pivetta like) minimizing 2026 cash ... and that likely does not fit (now) with the FA.

Just sticking with SP ... took $6MM for teams sign Quintana, Civale and neither are guaranteed improvement over someone such as Sears. No idea even if Preller liked either but even if he did the cost / value to the Padres likely did not pencil out. We may not be thrilled with Sears, Waldron, Hart, McKenzie, or Gonzalez as the #5 pitcher BUT Preller may view spending within their limits to get minimal upgrade (with risk) is not worth it.

Quote from fenn68 on February 11, 2026, 5:15 am

Preller has a track record of "late" moves ... FA and trades ... near the end of ST or even into the season to get favorable deals. So a reason not to be overly concerned at this point.

Assuming they are moving under current ownership constraints ... possible Preller looks at this team as good enough to get them deep in the playoff hunt to the trade deadline and that that point swoop in for upgrades on the cheap (especially for rentals).

No idea how long it will take for a change of ownership (likely months) but also can only speculate on whether new ownership will immediately infuse cash for payroll. A lot of legal steps to get approval on the deal. That may make the trade deadline more significant if there is more cash available (trade for players with larger salaries ... using lesser prospects). Also, at the point may have a better read on how the CBA negotiations are going ... should have some influence of strategy.

Quote from fenn68 on February 11, 2026, 6:43 am

Not suggesting Sears is the optimum solution for the #5 SP BUT is he "serviceable" given alternatives?

His career ERA with OAK is slightly worse than the average SP (maybe 10%) but is that all that bad for #5 SP across the league? He was actually more "average" AWAY from OAK. Plus he is more a fly ball pitcher ... PETCO (and the OF defense) may actually help him. More importantly, in 2023 and 2024 he made all his 32 starts and was on that pace in 2025 before the trade. 170-180 innings pace. Availability is important if worried about Musgrove and King making all their starts ... requiring a 6th SP.

With the Padres pen ... his effectiveness may even go up if gets pulled before struggling in the 5th-6th innings. As with most pitchers his ERA jumped the 3rd time through the order.

Possible his value to the Padres as a #5 SP is greater than we project?

Quote from MrPadre19 on February 11, 2026, 7:42 am

AJ and Niebla must have seen something in Sears to have him added in that deal...have to trust they know what they're seeing and know how to "fix" him

 

Quote from BoosterSD on February 11, 2026, 8:52 am

Quote from MrPadre19 on February 11, 2026, 7:42 am

AJ and Niebla must have seen something in Sears to have him added in that deal...have to trust they know what they're seeing and know how to "fix" him

 

I said this awhile ago, he is a decent #5 probably with a little upside. Should be interesting to see what Niebla did with him over the offseason.

Quote from sportwarrior on February 11, 2026, 9:48 am

Quote from BoosterSD on February 11, 2026, 8:52 am

Quote from MrPadre19 on February 11, 2026, 7:42 am

AJ and Niebla must have seen something in Sears to have him added in that deal...have to trust they know what they're seeing and know how to "fix" him

 

I said this awhile ago, he is a decent #5 probably with a little upside. Should be interesting to see what Niebla did with him over the offseason.

While I agree that there's a decent chance Sears is a solid 5 with the help of Niebla, I also fear this is far too similar to 04/05/06 when we had Ismael Valdez and Darrel May and Chan Ho Park penciled in as our 5s to start our seasons. It's fine to have Sears in our depth chart, but management seems to know that isn't enough for a team that needs to compete. Remember that we're also counting on Rando Vasquez to keep up his smoke-and-mirrors act and continue to outperform his peripherals.

More depth is a necessity, and the farther down the depth chart Sears is, the better we'll be.

Quote from fenn68 on February 11, 2026, 10:57 am

Quote from sportwarrior on February 11, 2026, 9:48 am

Quote from BoosterSD on February 11, 2026, 8:52 am

Quote from MrPadre19 on February 11, 2026, 7:42 am

AJ and Niebla must have seen something in Sears to have him added in that deal...have to trust they know what they're seeing and know how to "fix" him

 

I said this awhile ago, he is a decent #5 probably with a little upside. Should be interesting to see what Niebla did with him over the offseason.

While I agree that there's a decent chance Sears is a solid 5 with the help of Niebla, I also fear this is far too similar to 04/05/06 when we had Ismael Valdez and Darrel May and Chan Ho Park penciled in as our 5s to start our seasons. It's fine to have Sears in our depth chart, but management seems to know that isn't enough for a team that needs to compete. Remember that we're also counting on Rando Vasquez to keep up his smoke-and-mirrors act and continue to outperform his peripherals.

More depth is a necessity, and the farther down the depth chart Sears is, the better we'll be.

Agree on upgrading the rotation is desirable but not a necessity ... now. Adding depth yes but that could be some combo of prospects and rebound types ... at a low cost.

Maybe at the end of ST ... after the Darvish contract resolution ... would be consistent with a Preller strategy to make an add late. As likely is that they keep their powder dry until the trade deadline. At that point they could make more impact for less money / trade chips if they go for rentals.

Not sure that in reality there are very many SP upgrades available via trade / FA at the Padres price point that other teams cannot outbid (more money / better prospects). Blow it now on mediocrity and fail to upgrade with better quality at the trade deadline?

Quote from Jeremy Hill on February 11, 2026, 12:19 pm

Given AJ's penchant for late spring acquisitions, recent reports and our clear needs I think it's a near certainty he makes an addition or two.

While I do think we're probably pretty close to our payroll limit I also think there is some wiggle room based on how much value AJ thinks there is to be gained and the willingness of the player to structure the contract in a way that helps the team. It seems clear that AJ is looking to find value while keeping the 2026 cash investment down. As an example I don't think the qualifying offer for Gallen is a deterrent. I think it's the only reason we're involved with his market. He looks like this year's Pivetta as a guy coming off a mediocre year who should've accepted the offer. I think the qualifying offer has hurt his market enough that AJ sees a potential opportunity for another creative signing.

I agree with Sport. Whether it's Gallen, another FA or someone he picks up in a trade AJ absolutely need to find another quality starter. While the organization seems to think highly of Vasquez he had one of the largest gaps between his expected results and actual results of any starter. He also had one of the highest walk rates and lowest K rates of any starter. That's not generally a recipe for success. I don't want to fully dismiss what he did last year. I would feel a lot better if he was competing for the 5th spot rather than looking like the favorite for the 4th. A team with championship aspirations should not be comfortable with our current options in the back of the rotation.

It seems like we should probably expect at least a minor addition to the offense too. Someone who can handle lefties to pair with Sheets could make a big difference. I still see a few potential cheap options left on the market.

Quote from fenn68 on February 11, 2026, 1:26 pm

On another RHH to be a part-time platoon with Sheets may not need to be a 1B type IF in ST the Padres find that Andujar can handle 1B. As a platoon the player would get only 45-50 starts if limited to 1B but could get more work if useful at other positions plus provide better depth insurance for injuries.

Word out of ST is that Song will be worked at 3B, 2B, 1B, and test out the OF ... so trying to make him the super LHH bench utility guy. I guess he could also serve as the LHH DH if they don't go with Andujar full time (he can hit RHP). Would love a RHH version of that versatility who could potentially platoon with Sheets.

Not going to find a fit for everything but am worried about depth for the SS position. Bogaert is getting the bulk of work (unless injured) and in short fill McCoy is the only real SS on the roster (great defense and zero offense). No potential ML SS talent in AAA. Not seeing Cronenworth at his age becoming a starting SS on a competitive team.

Do the Padres compromise a bit on platoon offense for Sheets and target someone with versatility who is a legit SS? The return of Iglesias?

If Campusano is the 2nd C and Andujar the DH ... only three open slots on the 26 man ... one goes to Song (LHH) ... and need a reserve OF (CF specifically) currently Johnson ... and that only leaves one slot for a RHH platoon with Sheets and INF insurance. On the roster McCoy (SS), Wagner (LHH non-SS), and Ornelas (LHH OF).

What is the bigger downside risk ... Sheets playing vs LHP (or maybe using Campusano vs LHP) or Bogaerts getting an extending injury and using McCoy at SS (or Cronenworth at SS / Song 2B full time)?

Figuring out what is best for that last roster slot may not be a clean a decision as some think even before throwing in who is available and at what cost.