Preller Continues to Pursue Roster Upgrades Despite Padres’ Uncertain Future.

San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller indicated that the team’s offseason activity is not finished, even as questions linger about potential ownership changes and his own contract status. Speaking Saturday at Padres FanFest at Petco Park, Preller emphasized that the club remains focused on improving the roster rather than slowing down because of uncertainty surrounding a possible sale of the franchise. The Padres have been relatively quiet this winter, highlighted mainly by the re-signing of right-handed pitcher Michael King and the addition of South Korean infielder Sung-mun Song. Preller acknowledged the limited activity but expressed confidence that more moves—particularly the addition of a starting pitcher and multiple veteran hitters—could come in February. He stressed that the current market may allow the team to find players who are motivated and willing to sign deals that fit the organization’s needs and budget. San Diego enters the 2026 season after losing several key contributors from last year’s 90-win squad. Starting pitcher Dylan Cease departed for a lucrative contract with Toronto, while All-Star closer Robert Suárez signed with Atlanta. Luis Arraez remains unsigned, Ryan O’Hearn left for Pittsburgh, and veteran pitcher Yu Darvish will miss the season due to an elbow injury that could end his career. Despite these losses, Preller said the Padres are not being forced to cut payroll, even as the Seidler family explores selling the team.

Preller, who has served as the Padres’ top executive since 2014, is entering the final year of his contract but expects an extension to be completed eventually. He explained that his attention has been centered on roster construction rather than contract negotiations, adding that he believes a fair agreement will be reached. The Padres’ projected rotation currently includes King, Nick Pivetta, and Joe Musgrove, with Randy Vásquez competing for another spot. Preller made it clear that the team wants more pitching depth, as well as additional offensive help at first base, designated hitter, and off the bench. The goal is to better support stars Fernando Tatís Jr., Manny Machado, and Jackson Merrill after the team struggled offensively in last season’s Wild Card Series loss to the Chicago Cubs. Tatís, a three-time All-Star, said he addressed mechanical issues in his swing during the offseason and remains confident the Padres can compete with the rival Los Angeles Dodgers if they play with greater consistency. While completing Preller’s wishlist may be challenging, his history of late offseason acquisitions suggests San Diego is far from done reshaping its roster.