The San Diego Padres enter the MLB Winter Meetings with plenty of work to do. After missing the postseason in 2023 despite a star-studded roster, the team faces key decisions on trades, free agency, and contract extensions. With several holes to fill and a new front office approach, here are three major moves the Padres could make during the meetings.
One of the biggest storylines this offseason is whether the Padres will trade superstar outfielder Juan Soto.
The 25-year-old is entering his final year of arbitration and could command a contract exceeding $400 million in free agency next year. Given the Padres’ financial constraints and needs in pitching depth, a trade might be the best path forward. The Yankees, Mets, and Blue Jays have been rumored as interested teams, and the return could include multiple top-tier prospects or MLB-ready arms to solidify the rot
With Blake Snell and Seth Lugo hitting free agency, the Padres need reinforcements in the rotation. While they may not be able to afford a high-priced ace like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, they could target mid-tier starters such as Jordan Montgomery, Marcus Stroman, or Lucas Giolito. Adding at least one reliable arm would help stabilize a rotation that currently leans heavily on Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove. Additionally, a bullpen piece or two—perhaps a reunion with Josh Hader if the market cools—could further strengthen th
Ha-Seong Kim emerged as one of the Padres’ most valuable players in 2023, showcasing elite defense and improved offensive production. With his contract set to expire after 2024, locking him up long-term could be a smart move. Kim’s versatility, work ethic, and clubhouse presence make him an ideal piece to build around. A four-to-five-year extension would ensure the Padres keep a key contributor while avoiding another high-priced free-agent scramble next winter.
As the MLB Winter Meetings heat up, the Padres have no shortage of decisions to make. Whether through blockbuster trades, savvy free-agent additions, or locking in key players, San Diego’s moves in the coming days could shape the franchise’s future.
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