Things are finally moving in San Diego. After a largely quiet MLB offseason, the Padres have sprung to life, making some under-the-radar moves to plug the holes left by departing free agents.
But they’re not done yet, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. The team is still looking to add one more bat through free agency or a trade. And let’s be honest, they could use the help.
Filling the Gaps on a Budget
The Padres entered the offseason, facing some major losses on offense. Kyle Higashioka, Ha-Seong Kim, Jurickson Profar, Donovan Solano, and David Peralta all hit free agency, leaving vacancies across the field.
Kim was their everyday shortstop, Profar patrolled left field, and Higashioka took over as the primary catcher midway through the season. Solano and Peralta weren’t everyday guys but played key roles in the lineup throughout 2024.
With almost no wiggle room in the budget, the Padres have had to get creative. Their recent moves reflect just that. Jason Heyward and Connor Joe both came in on bargain-bin $1 million deals and will likely form a left-field platoon to replace Profar.
At catcher, the team added Elias Díaz on a $3.5 million deal that conveniently pushes some of the money into the future.
Shortstop? That one’s been solved internally. Xander Bogaerts started 2024 at second base to accommodate Kim, but when Kim got hurt late in the year, Bogaerts slid back to his natural position.
That’s where he’ll stay in 2025. Jake Cronenworth will shift from first to second, and Luis Arráez, who spent much time as a DH last season, is now set to be the everyday first baseman.
Manny Machado is locked in at third, and the outfield is set with Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill handling center and right.
Who’s the Designated Hitter?
Now, if you’re wondering about Arráez’s defense at first, it’s not his strong suit. Some have speculated he could see a lot of DH time. But manager Mike Shildt doesn’t see it that way.
In his eyes, Arráez, Cronenworth, Bogaerts, and Machado are all “everyday guys” who will be expected to play defense.
Sure, there will be some rotation at DH to give guys rest, but there’s no plan to use Arráez or Cronenworth in a regular DH role.
That leaves a pretty interesting situation: The Padres don’t have a true DH locked in, and their depth options—Tirso Ornelas, Eguy Rosario, Brandon Lockridge—are mostly unproven.
They’ve also got some non-roster invitees, including Oscar González, Gavin Sheets, and Trenton Brooks, but none of them are sure bets. If the Padres want a reliable bat, they’ll need to bring in outside help.
What’s Their Biggest Issue?
The problem? Money. Every move San Diego has made this winter has been on a budget. Heyward, Joe, and Díaz were all cheap.
Even their pitching additions followed that trend—Nick Pivetta’s $55 million deal is structured so that he will only make $1 million in salary in 2025.
Michael King’s arbitration deal included a $3 million signing bonus to keep his actual salary low. This team is pinching pennies wherever it can.
Where Could They Turn For That Last Bat?
The free-agent market still has a few options. Justin Turner and J.D. Martinez are the biggest names, but both are aging veterans who may have to settle for cheap, short-term deals.
Turner is 40, and Martinez’s 2024 contract had heavy deferrals, so it’s possible he comes at a discount again. David Peralta, who was already with the Padres last year, remains available and wouldn’t cost much.
Other names like Mark Canha, Yuli Gurriel, Miguel Sanó, Anthony Rizzo, and Rowdy Tellez are still floating around, all of whom could be in San Diego’s price range.
Padres Taking the Trade Route?
Then there’s the trade route. Spencer Torkelson is a name to watch—his role in Detroit isn’t set in stone. Since he’s still pre-arbitration, he’d be affordable.
LaMonte Wade Jr. is another possibility. He’s only making $5 million in 2025, though prying him away from the division-rival Giants wouldn’t be easy.
Starling Marte is also available, and while his $19.5 million salary would normally be a deal-breaker, the Mets are reportedly willing to eat some of that cost to make a trade happen.
Bottom Line For the Padres
The Padres still have work to do, and a bat is coming—it’s just a matter of when and how. Will they go bargain shopping in free agency or find a creative way to land a trade target?
Whatever happens, don’t expect a big splash. The front office has made it clear that this offseason is all about getting the most bang for the buck.
