Quote from fenn68 on February 14, 2026, 6:20 am

The Padres and outfielder Nick Castellanos have agreed to a Major League deal, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post (multiple links).  Castellanos will earn $780K on the contract, which is the MLB minimum salary for the 2026 season.  That $780K will be subtracted from the $20MM Castellanos is owed by the Phillies for the 2026 season, after Philadelphia released the veteran earlier this week.  Castellanos is represented by Mato Sports Management.

I am a bit surprised given the roster composition.

Quote from fenn68 on February 14, 2026, 6:43 am

Not a fan of Castellanos ... beyond weak recent performance ... last season's incident with the beer in the dugout and blow-up with the manager just don't bode well for his future.

Having said that ... if there is any issue he can be easily DFA costing only a minimal amount. So, maybe a decent gamble .. his first half of 2025 was very good but his second half was very bad. Played worse AWAY from PHIL.

Reports speculate he will DH (but is willing to go to 1B). With Andujar they will now cover 1B/DH vs LHP (Sheets gets platooned).

Looks as though the Padres gamble on back-up INF with the roster now pushing McCoy and Wagner to AAA. Song will do a lot and we may see games with Cronenworth at SS. Would think this may require Andujar to see more time at 3B/LF/RF as the rest starters.

My guess is that Preller could not find any potentially better options at anywhere near the league minimum price ... saves whatever payroll flexibility for another SP candidate.

Quote from MrPadre19 on February 14, 2026, 7:03 am

Quote from MrPadre19 on February 12, 2026, 12:23 pm

Yeah I typed before I thought it out....hence the delete.

I just know we've been wanting a RH hitting DH that can hit a homer.

Not many teams that would want Castellanos playing every day either though.

 

Guess I wasn’t off base….

Quote from MrPadre19 on February 14, 2026, 7:04 am

MLB TradeRumors reporting we have signed Canning…no details yet

Canning is from SoCal

 

Quote from fenn68 on February 14, 2026, 7:20 am

Quote from MrPadre19 on February 14, 2026, 7:04 am

MLB TradeRumors reporting we have signed Canning…no details yet

Canning is from SoCal

 

The Padres have signed right-hander Griffin Canning, as initially reported overnight by the Divine Sports Gospel.  Canning’s deal will be official once he passes a physical, according to FanSided’s Robert Murray.  San Diego has a full 40-man roster in the wake of the Nick Castellanos signing, so the Padres will have to make another move to open up 40-man space for Canning, who is represented by Wasserman.

Would expect Darvish to the 60 day IL to make 40 man roster space.

Quote from fenn68 on February 14, 2026, 7:43 am

On Canning ... showed well in his showcase (up to 93 MPH FB) for so early in the season ramp-up. Sort of like Adam ... recovering from injury ... may be ready for opening day or may get some extra time in extended ST (IL) to start and get added later to insure they are fully recovered.

That does give the Padres some wiggle room on the others on the roster ... not having to make an end of ST call and maybe some additional time to work deals with the odd men out if Adam and Canning look good.

Even with now a full roster, would expect Preller will continue to explore deals ... maybe as much now to deploy "excess" (read bullpen) for near ML prospects as to seek additional upgrades.

Quote from brent wolff on February 14, 2026, 8:00 am

I'm fine with both adds, Castellanos since he is a solid RHH veteran power bat, but must cover for his defensive deficiencies and hopefully doesn't cause any clubhouse chemistry issues.  Of course if Castellanos isn't a good teammate, they can simply release him since he is playing for the major league minimum salary.

Canning was better with the Mets, who had a very well respected pitching coach last season, Jeremy Hefner, that left the Muts to become the Bravos new pitching coach.  They adjusted Canning's pitch usage and pattern and his results were better, so it could be an upside play, especially if he is fully recovered from his Achilles injury.

Littell and Giolito are both still decent SP FAs available, their asking price must still be too high for the current Pads liking.  I wouldn't mind still adding one of them if either one takes a lower cost one year opt out deal.  Go Pads!

Quote from Randy Manese on February 14, 2026, 8:44 am

Another hitter on the downside of his career (like Heyward and Gurriel) but does not have the reputation of a clubhouse asset and the respect of teammates as the others we have plugged into this batting opportunity.   Hope he never has to take the field defensively and that we see a less selfish attitude.   Signing probably pushes all the position player NRI from consideration of a bench position with Bryce Johnson, a switch-hitter, the favorite to retain his defensive/pinch running position.   Johnson had an insane .446 BABIP which is about .200 above his career average and wholly unsustainable - if he falters, I like Taylor to fill that role.  That leaves Croney as the back-up ss.

Like the Canning signing.  If healthy, could move ahead of Vasquez in the rotation but agree that he and Adam will likely be brought along more slowly to give them time to fully recover from their injuries.

All in all, a good day for the Friars!  Happy Valentines Day!

Quote from lafnboy13 on February 14, 2026, 1:30 pm

We got German Marquez as well. It's Preller time.