Can the Padres Strengthen Their Rotation and Boost Offense This Winter? Five Key Questions to Watch

For most of his time as the Padres’ president of baseball operations, AJ Preller has made San Diego one of MLB’s most aggressive teams in trades and free agency, especially around the trade deadline. However, the team’s willingness to spend big has noticeably declined over the past year as the Padres enter a new phase following the death of owner Peter Seidler, who was known for his ambitious spending. Now, Preller’s focus shifts to building a competitive team around existing large contracts instead of increasing payroll.

This shift makes San Diego an intriguing team to watch as the offseason heats up. After making the playoffs for the second year in a row, the Padres are aiming for their first World Series title but face financial constraints and major roster gaps. This offseason could be one of Preller’s toughest, with no big moves made yet, though rumors during the winter meetings hinted at a possible blockbuster trade.

Here are the top five questions for the Padres this offseason:

1. How much will they bolster the starting rotation?
   The starting pitching situation is uncertain, with key free agents Dylan Cease and Michael King gone and Yu Darvish sidelined with elbow surgery until 2026. Nick Pivetta has been inconsistent, and the Padres rank 28th in projected starting pitching WAR. Joe Musgrove is expected to return after elbow surgery, while Randy Vazquez and JP Sears fill out the rotation’s lower tier. Although some speculated Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon might start, new manager Craig Stammen confirmed both will remain relievers given health and performance concerns. Despite some bullpen stability, adding starting pitchers remains essential but challenging given budget limits.

2. Will the Padres need a new closer to replace Robert Suarez?
   Though Miller and Morejon provide strong bullpen options, losing Suarez, who recently signed a $45 million deal with Atlanta, leaves a gap. Still, other relievers like Jeremiah Estrada, David Morgan, and Bradley Rodriguez look promising, and veteran Wandy Peralta remains solid. The bullpen remains a strength, but ultimately, success hinges on the starters taking leads and the team scoring more than their 2025 average of 4.33 runs per game, which ranked 18th in the majors.

3. Could the Padres add a hitter along with pitching help?
   The 2025 lineup boasted star power but lacked punch, ranking 28th in home runs with 152. Injuries and departures have left holes at first base and designated hitter, with Gavin Sheets showing flashes but inconsistent production. The lineup leans heavily on stars like Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and a healthier Jackson Merrill, but more offensive depth is crucial.

4. Will the Padres trade prospects or major league players?
   AJ Preller has been known for assembling appealing prospect packages to make big trades, even if it means draining the farm system. However, the Padres’ minor league depth is thinner now, with top prospect Ethan Salas struggling. Likely, San Diego will trade some higher-salary major leaguers for younger, cheaper talent to ease payroll, focusing on players like Nick Pivetta or Jake Cronenworth. Trading Pivetta while trying to improve pitching presents a difficult balancing act.

5. Will the Padres’ ownership situation clarify before Opening Day?
   The team’s tighter budget signals a departure from the aggressive spending under Peter Seidler. Current president John Seidler has indicated the family might explore strategic options, including selling the club. A sale could dramatically impact the Padres’ future direction, either continuing a careful approach or bringing in new owners eager to invest in a passionate, supportive fanbase chasing a first championship. This uncertainty over ownership could influence offseason decisions just as much as roster needs.

Fan Take:
This evolving era for the Padres matters to baseball fans because it highlights how leadership transitions and financial realities shape team-building strategies in the modern MLB. How the Padres address these challenges could set a precedent for balancing competitiveness with fiscal responsibility in the pursuit of a championship.