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The Padres’ were in full rebuild mode by mid-2016, having dealt away any veteran players with value by that year’s trade deadline. Immediate help was not on the way. In fact, it was nowhere close if it even existed. General manager A.J. Preller was going to have his opportunity to build his team from the ground up. Two-and-a-half years later, the Padres have, arguably, the best farm system in baseball and are looking to become legitimate playoff contenders in the next year or two.
Preller is now tasked with putting together a Major League roster that can at least break .500 in 2019 while staying in contention past July 31st. That would be a major step forward for a franchise that has not had a winning season since 2010. The 2018 Philadelphia Phillies, who improved by 14 games from the previous season and didn’t fall out of the pennant race until mid-September, would be a good comparison for what success would look like at the minimum. Matching what the Atlanta Braves did—an 18-game improvement and division championship—would be quite a bit more challenging and represents something like the best-case scenario. Preller’s offseason, which should be very eventful, will have a major effect on whether the team can become a perennial playoff contender and how quickly they can get there.
Guaranteed Contracts
- Eric Hosmer, 1B: $119MM through 2025 (can opt out after 2022)
- Wil Myers, INF/OF: $64MM through 2022 (includes $1MM buyout of $20MM club option for 2023)
- Clayton Richard, LHP: $3MM through 2019
- Craig Stammen, RHP: $2.25MM through 2019
- Kazuhisa Makita, RHP: $1.9MM through 2019
Arbitration-Eligible Players (projected salary via MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz)
- Kirby Yates (4.021) – $3.0MM
- Cory Spangenberg (4.004) – $2.3MM
- Austin Hedges (2.166) – $1.8MM
- Travis Jankowski (2.169) – $1.4MM
- Bryan Mitchell (3.049) – $1.2MM
- Robbie Erlin (4.078) – $1.1MM
- Greg Garcia (3.083) – $900K
- Non-tender candidates: Spangenberg, Mitchell, Garcia
Free Agents
[San Diego Padres depth chart | San Diego Padres payroll outlook]
With the waves of young and inexpensive talent expected to arrive in San Diego over the next few seasons, the Padres should have the ability to add multiple impact players with high price tags in preparation for their next playoff run. Eric Hosmer, signed last offseason, was the first significant piece. Adding a frontline starting pitcher and either a third baseman or shortstop prior to the 2020 season would appear to be the next big priorities. It’s possible that they will check one or both off of the list as early as the current offseason.
Preller’s first line of business, however, could be to determine how to best sort out the crowded outfield situation. With only Wil Myers guaranteed a spot on the 25-man roster — barring a trade, at least — and everyone else having Minor League options, it doesn’t have to be that complicated. But, assuming that Myers’ third base experiment is over, the Padres have six outfielders and not one of them belongs in Triple-A.
It could take some creativity on Preller’s part, but Myers is certainly a trade candidate. Although he’s due to make just $3MM in 2019, he’ll make $20MM annually over the next three seasons. That normally wouldn’t be a lot for a former Rookie of the Year who averaged 29 homers and 24 stolen bases in his ages 25-26 seasons, can play multiple positions and is still only 27 years old. But he’s been injury-plagued throughout his career and his overall numbers have been underwhelming for a player who fits best at a corner outfield spot.
Hunter Renfroe (.805 OPS, 15.5 AB/HR) and Franmil Reyes (.838 OPS, 16.3 AB/HR) were each particularly impressive in 2018, making them attractive trade targets for a team hoping to add some legitimate right-handed power to their lineup. Travis Jankowski could be a useful reserve and should draw some interest. Manuel Margot and Franchy Cordero, on the other hand, are much less likely to be traded. Margot’s value is down after he struggled in 2018 and he’s too talented for the Padres to sell low on him. The left-handed hitting Cordero missed most of last season due to an elbow injury, keeping him somewhat of an unknown commodity. But, in any case, the Padres will want to hold on to a 24-year-old with 30 home run and 30 stolen base potential.
Hosmer was a disappointment in his first season with the club, but maybe it shouldn’t have been all that unexpected. After a solid rookie season in 2011, he had his worst season as a pro in 2012. He bounced back in 2013 before struggling again in 2014. He had a very good 2015 season, which ended with a World Series championship. His numbers dipped slightly in 2016 and then he was at his best in 2017 (.882 OPS, 25 HR). Not that the Padres were expecting eight years of the 2017 version, but it’s safe to say that he wasn’t nearly as productive as they had hoped in his debut. It’s probable that he’ll continue to be up and down as he was with the Royals while delivering a couple of higher-output seasons somewhere in between.
Other than Hosmer at first base, catcher Austin Hedges is the only other position player who is all but assured to be in the Padres’ Opening Day starting lineup. Acquiring the best catching prospect in baseball, Francisco Mejia, last July has done nothing to change that. Hedges’ defense and leadership ability are much too valuable for a team that will continue to rely so much on young pitching. If the Padres believe that the 23-year-old Mejia is ready for the Majors in 2019, it could make sense to pair him with Hedges, who could be a strong mentor despite his age (26) and lack of MLB experience (2.166 days). Both players have a long ways to go to prove themselves offensively at the MLB level, but it wouldn’t be a stretch to think that the duo could combine for over 25 homers per season. Of course, Mejia could also be a valuable trade chip and could headline a major deal this offseason. He could also spend some more time in Triple-A. In either of those cases, the Padres would have to bring in a veteran backup to give Hedges an occasional day off. Free agent A.J. Ellis was terrific in that role last season.
While Reyes made plenty of noise during his rookie season, his contributions were somewhat of a surprise. Luis Urias’ debut in late August, however, marked the arrival of one of the organization’s highest-profile prospects. The 21-year-old had a handful of big games, but didn’t have much time to establish himself before a season-ending hamstring injury. Expected to be the team’s second baseman for years to come once he arrived in the Majors, Urias could temporarily slide over to shortstop depending on how things go this offseason.
With top prospect Fernando Tatis Jr. closing in on the Majors, the expectation is that the Padres will either add a stop-gap or long-term solution at shortstop or third base. If shortstop is not addressed, Urias could play there until Tatis is ready to step in. If the Padres add a long-term solution at the position, Urias would stay at second base and Tatis would prepare to be the team’s third baseman of the near future. Other players who could figure into the mix in some way or another are Christian Villanueva, who crushed left-handed pitching in 2018 (1.118 OPS, 14 HR) but was awful versus right-handers, Carlos Asuaje, Jose Pirela and Cory Spangenberg. The latter trio is on the bubble to remain on the 40-man roster.
Free agent targets at third base could include another former Royals star, Mike Moustakas, or veterans Asdrubal Cabrera, Josh Donaldson, Josh Harrison and Jed Lowrie. Only the 30-year-old Moustakas would appear to fit the team as a potential long-term solution if the Padres were willing to offer him a contract for at least three or four years. A run at Donaldson, whether on a pillow contract or multi-year deal, could be an interesting high-upside possibility if the Padres decide to make a push.
With multiple big-market teams expected to be involved in the bidding, Manny Machado is probably a long shot. But if last offseason was any indication, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if the Padres got involved on some level. As was the case with Hosmer, they could make a competitive offer early on and then wait for him to circle back if he doesn’t receive a better one. Unless Machado’s stock has dropped dramatically, though, that is not likely to happen.
Of the free agent shortstops, none other than Machado would be expected to sign for more than one or two seasons. Freddy Galvis, who the team raved about during his lone season in San Diego, could return on an affordable multi-year deal with the expectation that he’d move into a utility role once Tatis reached the Majors. Alcides Escobar, Adeiny Hechavarria, Jose Iglesias and Jordy Mercer are stop-gap options who would likely cost much less than the $6.8MM that Galvis earned in 2018.
If the Padres are to make a splash this offseason, it would most likely come via trade. Their farm system is good enough to get most any player that is available. Would Cleveland trade Jose Ramirez? Probably not this offseason. Even if they end up trading one of their best pitchers, the Indians are still the class of the AL Central. Eugenio Suarez would be a great fit at the hot corner, but the Reds are also looking to take the next step forward in their rebuild and wouldn’t want to trade one of their best hitters unless the return was not only compelling, but including some quality MLB assets. A three-team scenario involving Miguel Andujar of the Yankees is perhaps not unimaginable. (It’d be complicated, but so was the swap that brought Myers to San Diego.)
One very controversial option would be a buy-low acquisition of Cubs shortstop Addison Russell, who will miss the first month of the season while serving out a 40-game suspension under Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy. Last month’s release of lefty reliever Jose Torres, however, could be an indication that the Padres aren’t interested in a player with that kind of baggage. After a strong rookie season in 2017 (4.21 ERA, 8.3 K/9 in 62 appearances), Torres spent 2018 on the Restricted list while serving a 100-game suspension under the MLB/MLBPA joint domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy. Instead of reinstating him after the season, he was designated for assignment and subsequently released.
Mariners shortstop Jean Segura and third baseman Kyle Seager could be available and either would seem to fit the Padres’ need on the left side of the diamond. Segura’s price tag would be high—not a problem if the Padres like him enough to take on his almost $15MM per year salary for his ages 29-32 seasons—and Seager is still owed around $60MM through 2021 and coming off of a bad season. Using the Myers contract to facilitate a deal is at least an interesting possibility to contemplate. J.P. Crawford, Maikel Franco, and Jurickson Profar probably aren’t the huge difference-makers that the Padres are looking for, but they might be likelier to be available in a trade.
Stay tuned. Things could get very interesting if Preller is focused on the trade market to upgrade his lineup.
Despite having a wealth of pitching prospects who are set to reach the Majors sometime in the next year or two, the starting rotation is clearly the weakest link on this roster. Adding a frontline starter to pair with veteran workhorse Clayton Richard would take a great deal of weight off of the young pitchers who are still getting their feet wet or who will be debuting in 2019. Joey Lucchesi was impressive as a rookie, posting a 4.08 ERA, 3.0 BB/9 and 10.0 K/9 in 26 starts. After a rough stretch to begin his MLB career, Eric Lauer had a 3.16 ERA over his last 16 starts. That lefty duo should have a leg up on the competition, while Robbie Erlin, Bryan Mitchell, Jacob Nix and Luis Perdomo are among the arms who could compete for one of the last rotation spots. Brett Kennedy, Walker Lockett and Colin Rea will also be in the mix if they’re still on the 40-man roster when Spring Training begins.
Mitchell pitched so poorly in 2018 that he was demoted to the bullpen after seven starts before spending three months on the disabled list. He probably saved his roster spot in September with a 2.19 ERA in four starts, including 8.2 shutout innings in his final appearance. That type of performance was likely closer to what Preller had in mind when he took on Chase Headley’s $13MM salary in order to acquire Mitchell from the Yankees last offseason. It’s unlikely that Preller would want to give up on him so soon after making such a big investment.
A wildcard for the rotation will be Matt Strahm, who now has two very good seasons under his belt as a relief pitcher. With the growing importance of the multi-inning setup man role, the 27-year-old might have already found his niche. But it would be worth stretching him out this spring and giving him a decent chance to prove that he can be an effective starting pitcher.
The next wave of prospects, while unlikely to make an impact in April or May, could make things interesting at some point during the season. After sitting out the 2017 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, Chris Paddack returned to health and quickly proved to be one of the best pitching prospects in baseball. He only has seven Double-A starts under his belt, but he’s not that far away. In 177.2 career innings in the Minors, the 22-year-old has a 1.82 ERA with an unfathomable 20 walks and 230 strikeouts. Logan Allen, the Texas League Pitcher of the Year, and former 1st Round pick Cal Quantrill should also reach San Diego in 2019. They won’t be the only potential reinforcements during the season. Dinelson Lamet, one of the few bright spots from the 2017 season, is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery and could be back in the second half.
While there are several free agent starting pitchers who could help in the short-term, including former Padres Trevor Cahill and Tyson Ross, and a few others who could make sense on a multi-year deal — Gio Gonzalez, for instance — the expectation is that the Padres will set their sights very high in their pursuit of a frontline starter who can anchor their rotation for several years. Noah Syndergaard would be quite a catch, but he’s also the kind of superstar acquisition that would take multiple elite prospects to get (if the Mets are even interested in that kind of package). Would giving up Paddack, Tatis and more in a deal for three years of Syndergaard be worth it? With how often pitchers get hurt, that could turn out to be a disaster. Corey Kluber, a 4th Round pick of the Padres back in 2007, and Danny Duffy could also be on their wish list. A Zack Greinke acquisition wouldn’t cost much in terms of prospect talent if there were willing to take on a big chunk of the $95.5MM that he’s still owed through 2021.
There are also quite a few pitchers with two years of control who might be had via trade, including Trevor Bauer, Carlos Carrasco, James Paxton and a rebound candidate in Julio Teheran. Preller would surely be somewhat more hesitant to give big pieces for that length of control, though of course less years also means a lower price tag (though each of these hurlers also earns at a manageable rate of pay). A pitcher of that ilk could help carry the team until another crop of pitching prospects — Michel Baez, Anderson Espinoza, MacKenzie Gore and Adrian Morejon are a big reason why their farm system is so widely-respected — is ready to step in.
Regardless of how much they can upgrade their rotation, they can always opt to lean a bit more on their bullpen if necessary. Teams like the A’s and Brewers proved in 2018 that you don’t need starting pitchers who can consistently work deep into games if the bullpen can consistently pick up the slack. It’s no surprise that the Padres’ bullpen was very good in 2018. Despite having ten sub-.500 seasons since the move to Petco Park in 2004, they’ve never cracked the 100-loss barrier. And that’s mostly due to a solid bullpen that keeps things from going completely off of the rails. Even without Brad Hand, who was traded to Cleveland in July, they are still in decent shape with closer Kirby Yates, Craig Stammen, Strahm (if he isn’t in the rotation), and a long list of hard-throwing pitchers with late-inning potential.
Strahm isn’t as dominant as Brewers’ bullpen star Josh Hader, but the left-hander proved that he can be very good in a similar high-leverage, multi-inning role. Jose Castillo and Robert Stock both passed their rookie auditions with flying colors, as did Trey Wingenter, though in a much smaller sample size. Stock and Wingenter each hit 100 MPH on multiple occasions and they aren’t the the only Padres’ pitchers who can bring that kind of heat. Former Rule 5 pick Miguel Diaz, 19-year-old Andres Munoz and Gerardo Reyes, all capable of hitting triple digits, could spend time in the Majors during the upcoming season.
There appears to be plenty of good relief options, but they’ve had so much success resurrecting careers that it would be a surprise if they didn’t add at least one veteran bounce-back candidate with late-inning experience. Former Nationals closer Drew Storen, who is returning from Tommy John surgery, is one of several relievers who will be looking for a chance to rebuild value in a pitcher-friendly atmosphere.
290 million for bryce harper. Wait until final year kris bryant contact. That would’ve been my plan.
Why would he sign with the SDP?
To live in San Diego.
This comment
You mean to work in SD. he can live anywhere.
For sure. Every time I go to San Diego I hook up with at least one gorgeous blonde chick, and I’m not even rich.
Where you meet these chicks?
He was already offered $300M.
Looks like someone forgot to tell Freddy Galvis has was an extension candidate LOL
He is going to sign a multi-year deal with Detroit in my opinion to be a starter there while they rebuild.
Enyel De Los Santos for a season of “don’t worry about Galvis, he will re-sign and be a stop gap for Tatis. Errr. Wait, like always said, never assume an extension, just because you acquire someone you gave up a lot for, they don’t have to sign with you because they feel bad about that. Preller took an L on that trade regardless of how cool it was to watch Galvis play defense this year. Anything De Los Santos does going forward for PHI is icing on the cake for them because they get him for as long as they choose as San Diego only had Galvis for one. Sigh.
Padres should call up the Diamondbacks about Greinke and Chris Owings for Wil Myers and prospects swap. Itd clear money for the Dbacks to sign Goldschmidt and cant imagine itd take significant prospects for the DBacks to move Greinkes contract completely.
Or call up the Blue Jays about a Wil Myers for Troy Tulowitski swap with other pieces involved.
Either way Padres get a short term contract than Myers, make room for possibly both Renfroe and Reyes, and fill an area of need in the interim.
They should go all in on Eugenio Suarez- Mejia, Baez as the center pieces with Arias, Allen, and Nix rounding out the trade.
Trade for Gray and Teheran on the low.
Wow mets fan here u want tulo over myers? I was under the impression that myers was a pretty decent player no? If am the blue jays I’m driving tulo to sd
I’d rather have tulos 2 years than myers 4. They shouldnt have signed hosmer but unless you attach gore nobody is taking that contract.
Yeah I mentioned the Grienke for Myers idea in the Syndergaard article if you want to go check it out.
It makes a lot of sense financially for the Padres short-term and long-term.
I’d rather have Grienke for 3 more years just like Syndergaard than have Myers for 5 more. Arizona can replace Goldschmidt with Myers once they eventually deal him as well.
Grienke + one of Owings, Ahmed, Lamb or Marte all make sense.
Each one of those guys can fill a void on the left side of the diamond while providing depth for the young kids (Tatis, Urias, Villanueva).
Myers plus, Jacob Nix or Brett Kennedy and Craig Stammen should get AZ’s attention. Maybe add a catcher since it looks like they need one, maybe Blake Hunt or Luis Torrens. Not the top 4 C’s in the system. (Hedges, Mejia, Allen, Campasuano).
You know it doesn’t matter what they do. It’s last place again. I’m sure you’re used to it.
What a great name for a padres fan.
Okay? You done?
No. Would you like facts?
I’ll repost some facts for you:
The San Diego padres, factually the worst team of all time. Lowest winning percentage ever and the most losses for any team since their inception in 1969. Literally the worst team ever.
Try to pay attention this time.
So what? No one here cares, we’ve lived through it.. we don’t need a troll to remind us.
What does the Padres history have to do with what they are building now? Its not relevant. Different owners. Different front office. Different times.
It’s completely relevant.
San Diego SUPER Padres!
Do you guys think it would be a good idea if the Padres make a trade with the Yankees that includes eating Jacoby Ellsburys contract for Miguel Andujar and Sonny Gray? That would give the Yankees more money to use in FA to aquire pitching and/or sign Machado and the Padres would get their future 3B
If what you’re getting at is the Yankees including Andujar just to get rid of Ellsbury, that’s not going to happen.
That’s a good thought. I don’t know if the Padres plan on getting that creative but it’s a real good idea. I just don’t think after already eating Olivera to send Kemp away and eating Headley for what became Mitchell, that Preller wants to get burned trying to take on dead salary to get a prospect or player of interest. He got burned with it from the opposite side of the spectrum when Kimbrel was attached to Upton Jr. He ate that gross salary to get a year of Kimbrel.
Acquiring Ellsbury becomes another one to those risks where the player attached to him better perform of else it looks very foolish and irresponsible when those deals fail.
Andujar plus Gray and Ellsbury for Robbie Erlin, Michael Gettys and Corey Spangenberg.
If it’s anymore than the above offer than I’d pass as a Padres fan. Eating all of Ellsbury should get Andujar plus Gray. Get Ellsbury healthy and trade Jankowski. Use Ellsbury to rebuild his value just like Upton Jr. did. Whether that is spelling all three spots and being that 5th outfielder behind Cordero or what, he could bring some value as well as the players leaving NYY and coming to SD with him.
You’re nuts. Andujar is worth waaaay more than that
You mean that’s a good delusion. When you guys are ready, please join us in the real world.
Andújar is only getting moving in a package for a TOR starter.
LMAO. A 1B/DH for a TOR starter? And you called them delusional. Funny.
So the New York Yankees are going to give away Andujar who just finished second in the rookie of the year so they can save money on the Ellsbury contract? The NYY are in financial trouble huh? Sorry the NYY are not giving away Andujar. If the Yankees want to sign Harper or Machado or both then they will simply do so. They have plenty of money and there is no salary cap in baseball. They can go over the luxury tac anytime they choose
When the Yankees sign Machado, Andujar will be a part-time DH and 1B. no huge value there. Sorry.
IF the Yankees sign Machado, then Andujar would likely be headed elsewhere in a trade. Sorry to burst your bubble there, but Andujar has quite a bit of value.
I was thinking that the Yankees and Cubs could put together a solid 3 team trade with the Padres.. Yankees would get Russell, Myers (taking full contract) and Lucchesi. Cubs would get Yates and (solid Yankees prospect), and the Padres would get Andujar, Bote Montgomery (injured Yankees starter). There would probably be a complimentary piece or two moving around as well but I think that would be a solid foundation. Fills needs for all the teams and removes headaches as well.
Yankees easily pass on such a horrible offer. Want nothing to do with Russell or Myers.
Are you high? Padres fans reeeeeaaaaaallllllyyyyy reaching. Your team sucks, you aren’t going to be any good in the foreseeable future and no one wants your mediocre players. Wil Myers. Jankowski lolol
Depending on your definition of “any good” but the Padres are in range of .500 this season depending on the offseason acquisitions. Then we have the best farm system in the league. So that can improve the team significantly in the next couple years via graduations and trades.
Padres is a bunch of below average player and a few(very few average players). They are always moving players like Myers from outfield to first to BA and wonder why he doesn’t hit .LOL catcher BA , 3B BA SS BA 2B and all outfielders BA. Set up for last place finish in 2019 and 2020
What? The Padres have the most talented farm system and have significant assets to make the team better the next few seasons plus payroll space for free agents.
I’d rather the padres just acquire David Bote from the cubs instead of trying a 3 team trade. Cut out the middle man.
I wouldn’t mind getting Bote, maybe a bullpen piece for him?
If his social media handles aren’t all “ImOnABote” I will be very upset.
why do people keep thinking Andujar is a 3B? He’s a 1B/DH, he shouldn’t be anywhere near the hot corner.
If he can’t play 3B, why do you want him at 1B?
Same hot shots off the bat. Need to charge bunts, Need to throw to 2B and 3B which is awkward for a RH throwing 1B as he has to pivot as opposed to throwing across his body in stride (which is why there are no LH throwing 3B’s….or SS’s or 2B’s). Has to hold runners on base, then jump out after they take off on a pitch, and take bad throws from the other INF’s and bad pick-off throws from pitchers. Bottom line – 1B’s are involved in far more plays then 3B’s are.
Anjuhar is 23 years-old and just finished his 1st year in the majors. Will very probably play another 15. He’ll become at the very least acceptable at 3B within the next few years. Along with LF, 3B is the least important defensive position.
Third base is obviously the harder defensive position to play. The defensive spectrum goes like this – C-SS-CF-3B-2B-RF-LF-1B. That’s basically been the defensive spectrum since baseball was invented. There are occasional slugs at third base (or any position really) but 1B is where the real slugs end up, if they aren’t DH’s at least. I mean, guys like Adam Dunn and Billy Butler and Bob Hamelin played first base regularly at times. It’s where teams put their sluggers who can’t run or, often, who can’t throw. Sometimes guys like that turn into good first basemen – Steve Garvey is an example, I suppose. Andujar has a strong arm; he is a terrible fielder but perhaps he could fix his defense, although fixing defense is rarer than you’d think. Wade Boggs is an obvious example, but Andujar doesn’t hit like Boggs. Andujar gave up an extra hit per ten balls hit to him compared to the average AL third baseman – over a season that really adds up.
Samuel if someone cannot play 3b you may very well want him at 1B because its an easier position to play. That is why.
lol says who????? I find second is harder to play than ss but you need a cannon for SS. everything at 2nd is blind and you need to cover more ground. 3rd has max time to throw and is a lot of twit h resltions but I never found it hard. lower level infield is different. urias can play SS and 2nd tatis SS and 3rd. all has to do with arm strength. second is only easy cause of the short throw everything else is hard.
if you think about it. guys like baez or utility infielders are typically ss/2d at the pro level they also cut off from deep outfield plays, hold on runners, take more throws on steals and cover the corners on bunts. not o ky that but SS and second have to cover bloopers in the outfield from the bag to the line. baseball isn’t just about taking routine ground balls and throwing to first. plus when infield is in everyone plays a type of hot corner. only reason I say second covers more ground Is because first holds guys on while 3rd does not. also most second basement can play 3rd in the majors if they have a strong arm which nearly all if them do. (this isn’t little league) however range for your typical 3rd base can’t. not saying all, most in mlb are superb athletes but just bodytype limits lateral range. SS takes it with 5.5 hole back hands and long throws with minimal error time while second has holding guys on, stolen bases, covering first, off blind throws and pivots and also charging balls you throw behind you not in front of you. you also typically cover more cut off . SS takes way more balls and harder ones to field.. I’ve played all and still play as an adult. SS/2nd. I always had respect fir first though. those picks and strecthes can be gnarly with guys bearing down on you and holding on guys can be difficult too. regardless of position. I’m. baseball reference names secondbase second hardest to shortstop due to amount of balls hit and time to make play with range.
lol
I explained……
It’s not.
Did you play any baseball?
Put down the crack pipe, there’s no way on this planet the NYY are trading all that for anything the Padres have.
Why would the Padres even want Andujar? He is not a 3B. At best he is a 1B, but most likely a DH. No DH in the NL.
Quit calling Andujar a 1B.
OK Andujar is a DH. Is that better? What we know he is NOT is a 3B.
Well Pads Fans he actually is a third baseman. That is where he played all year even with his defensive shortcomings there is likely to be some improvement there with more experience
Just because he played there doesn’t mean he should.
No, he played 3B, he isn’t a 3B. That is like calling Wil Myers a 3B.
Andujar played there all year because the Yankees had no other options. He made Villanueva and Myers look like Gold Glove players at 3B. Andujar was literally the worst player at 3B in baseball last season and it wasn’t close. For the Yankees, it was a historically bad season on defense at 3B by Andujar.
So no, Andujar is not a 3B. Eventually, he will be a DH. I was being kind calling him a 1B/DH. I am not sure he has the defense to play 1B.
Trade for Grenkie get Dbacks to eat about 10m per year. Try and sign guys like Eovaldi,Happ or Cahill. Plenty of Good SP prospects will come up 2019 and 2020 we should wait at least 1 year before thinking of trading away top prospects
“get Dbacks to eat about 10m per year”. You’re delusional.
Hes owed 34.3m per year for the next 3 years. If the Dbacks decide to trade him they will have to eat some of that salary
That’s my point. 10M is too much to eat. I know they’ll have to offer a salary offset. Pay attention.
You hit the number on the head. Its the same number Rosenthal used on MLB Network today. To get rid of a 35 year old pitcher the Diamondbacks will have to eat at least a third of his salary.
He’s really not that delusional the suggested amount is already dead money
I’m not going argue what you think is “dead money”, but the dbags are not going to eat 10M a year on that contract.
I think they will eat 10-20 per year
We can bicker about this all day long, but the simple concept is that the DBacks signed Grienke because they wanted to jump their window and TV rights. They signed him knowing the 60 M in deferrable money was essentially dead money, or immovable. Nobody is going to pay Grienke 30 M+ from 2024-2026. His real money value for the next 3 years (75/3) is reasonable and somebody will clearly bite without necessarily being a bad contract swap. There is absolutely some value there not much in terms of future value, but value. Getting out from under as much of the 25 M they’ll owe over the next 3 years, for an aging declining pitcher, is the most important asset. He’s 35 and not an ace. He’s a solid probably 3 lined up in the playoffs, and I don’t think that playoff appearance against the Dodgers was an aberration. So will the DBacks have to eat money? Of course, but it’ll be the deferred portion. To think otherwise is ridiculous.
“The San Diego Padres: rebuilding since 1969”*
Two NL pennants and five NL West pennants.
Yup and without the Padres, pr0ject2501 you couldn’t enjoy that wonderful McDonald’s cheeseburger with fries that you most likely are pecking away at your keyboard in your Grandma’s basement.
Ray Kroc – CEO of McDonald’s founded this wonderful franchise that we who live in America’s finest city get to enjoy. We will get our World Series soon, until then keep chirping. It’s 75 degrees in mid-November and I have flip-flop and a tank top on. Sorry about it.
Ohhhh yeah, that’s been here since 1969 as well with those two NL pennants, 5 NL West Pennants, Tony Gwynn, the best National League reliever of all time, all of that says hello troll boy.
The San Diego padres, factually the worst team of all time. Lowest winning percentage ever and the most losses for any team since their inception in 1969. Literally the worst team ever.
LOL what Padres fan slept with your mom that you’re so angry? Loser Doyer fan making up fake news.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA It was Baxter and I. We Eiffle Towered her. And project2501 is a bedwetting West Coast Yankees fan. His mommy told me.
Pow! Ron Burgundy really gave it to project2501 … and his mommy too. Lol. Too funny but there is no response from project so maybe its true. Lol
Perhaps the author of the article can explain how Tatis, Jr. is “closing in on the Majors.” Can he substantiate that?
He adjusted well to AA pitching and players do make the jump from AA to the majors. Considering it is such a position of need he will likely be given significant leeway in acclimating to the majors.
How many player good at AA and look over match at AAA let alone major league level. Major league shifts will take 50-100 pt of batting average of most players. Average players which he is will look very bad because ever pitcher in the majors have three great pitches not like AA.
Really 50 to 100 points? And batting average is not the best indication of good hitters. Mind citing some facts or stats to back up your claims?
absolute garbage ballclub year after year after year after year after year…
Well, only if you look at stats and facts and stuff…
So were the Astros 5 years ago. Things change
That Hosmer contract is terrible.
So is that Darvish contract
Obviously. This is a Padres article though, which is why I brought up Hosmer. The Baltimore Chris Carter contract is terrible too, but do you know why I didn’t bring it up? Because this was an F’ing article about the Padres. So thanks for your Captain Random and Meaningless response.
Chris Carter isn’t even an Orioles genius
Nah. You big market trolls just get angry when a Padres article gets posted.
U mad bro?
Even though you are an inferior fan (Cubs fan), I did give you an upvote due to a high quality burner response.
Obviously Davis dumbass. Keep up with your random bad contracts that don’t apply to given article because that’s all kinds of smart.
Oooooooooh you called me a dumbass over the Internet what an edgelord!
Redrooster he meant Davis not Carter. Funny the people who get baseball figured it out right away but not you!
Right, Red Rooster is too busy posting irrelevant bad contracts with teams that are even being discussed, and reaching as much as humanly possible.
Heyward Chatwood Lester aint looking so hot over the next 3 years either…something like 150 mil
Lester finished what, fourth in Cy Young voting this year? The difference is that the Cubs can afford bad contracts, since they are basically printing money, while the Padres maybe could have handed out the biggest contract in their history to something more useful than a singles-hitting first baseman.
Lester 4th in cy youny voting? Well you definitely don’t watch baseball and dude this is the internet…google the results! But instead you just say random nonsense
One idiot writer probably from Chicago or Boston gave him one 4th place vote. You’re a sheep.
They used to say the same things about Yelich…slap hitter with high babip, no power…just saying its the truth.
Oh, yes, he finished 9th. Sorry. No reason to be a jerk about it, though, unless maybe you are just a jerk all-around. I do watch baseball; I went to my first Padres game, in person, and sat behind a guy named Carmelo Martinez. I’ll bet you weren’t even born. But thanks for playing!
Redrooster what is your point
His point is to remember things you posted 2 years ago and troll
So we’re just going to call me a troll because I’m not afraid to hold you accountable for your ill-fated comments and tendency to throw out insults at anyone who disagrees with them?
Not really…but youre simple so why am i even trying.
Half the league cant find a first baseman…
Yet half the league have better first baseman than Hosmer for s fraction of the cost
I’d rather have myers at 1st or move reyes to 1st which clears up some of the OF logjam by putting 1 of them at 1st. But hosmer was a mistake. Shoulda signed moustakas instead.
What a great name for a padres fan.
Padres outlook over the next five years: one low hanging…
If I’m the Mets GM and get offered Paddack AND Tatis Jr (let alone more) for Thor, I’m sending him to SD in a private jet.
But why would the Padres do that?
I would guess it will take one of those two in the package for Syndegaard. Both I think the Padres would balk. I could see Hedges in that deal too,especially since the Mets really don’t have a catcher at all and the Padres have Mejia. I do think the Padres are ready to sort of turn the corner and having a legit ace-level starter is a necessity at this point.
I’d have to think Tatis is untouchable. There’s a decent chance he debuts this year and I think they have to commit to the rebuild and see him through to the bigs. If they trade him and it doesn’t work out then people are losing their jobs.
Mejia and some pitching on the other hand I think could be moved, but even if you’re talking guys like Paddack or Logan Allen plus additional guys ranked in the 20-30 range the Mets probably still balk. Probably a less splashy move for a SP is more realistic
Yeah David, those two are untouchable. AJ acquired them for pennies basically and they have transformed to elite performers in the Padres system all for James Shields and Fernando Rodney. The Padres could have legit found their Ace of the future and SS they have been looking for since Khalil Greene all for a starter who gave up 10 earned runs in his last performance as a Padre and a 41 year old closet who was offered nothing in spring training coming into the year.
Preller wants to see that play out. Any competitive person in their line of work would like to see what their gambles resulted in. That’s why I also think Mejia is safe because that cost AJ’s most successful waiver wire pick-up that I’m sure he hangs his hat on in Brad Hand.
It’s almost professional gratitude to let those trades play out at the big league level.
Preller most likely wants to see the return from Derek Norris, Solarte, Upton Jr., Rodney, Cashner and Pomeranz, and Shields.
So, in theory:
Fernando Tatis Jr, Chris Paddack, Anderson Espinosa, Pedro Avila, Logan Allen, Francisco Mejia, etc.
The guys who should be leery are those from the previous regime with no tie to Preller and his trades. So if I’m Spangenberg, Jankowski, Gettys, Renfroe? Possibly but I hope not.
They shouldn’t, but the article suggest it (Paddack, Tatis plus more).
Yeah the only problem is, the Mets GM isn’t going to be offered any of those names. Paddack is Syndergaard but younger and better and Tatis Jr. is Tatis Jr., so nah those Last Names will not come out of Preller’s mouth. The other end of the phone might mention them but will get hung up on really quickly.
I agree. I was just expressing how ridiculous that suggestion seems to me.
I don’t understand why the Padres would consider signing too many more big contracts…if they have stars ready to impact. they may well regret spending big on hosmer.
Because they are Padres making sense isn’t their bag
The one point completely omitted is the abysmal record Preller has on all big money deals. The GM who traded for Kemp, signed Shields, took on Upton to get Kimbrel, extended Myers and signed Hosmer should not be allowed to execute any transaction more important than buying postage stamps.
Tanned Tom. Yes take the checkbook away from Preller
Got out from Kemp contract, turned shields into tatis Jr, turned Kimberly into margot and Logan Allen, myers contract was ok. Hosmer was horrible.
In all likelihood he is going to send myers to the Indians along with renfroe who needs OFs.
And it’s not like there arent options to be had here.
You could trade Myers and prospects to the Phillies for Santana and Franco. Myers moves to OF and phillies put Hoskins at 1st. Then ship Santana and some rule 5 guys to the mariners for whatever.
Or just trade Myers to the mariners for Kyle seager swapping contracts and needs.
It’s not impossible to move myers and clear money off the books sooner.
That was all directives from ownership. Once Preller got to do things his way, the farm system has been fantastic.
Fans keep saying that so Preller is just spineless puppet then who does what owners want even if he disagree. That’s even more pathetic then his trades and $ doled out
Step one: fire everyone who wanted the Hosmer deal
Step two: DFA Hosmer
Step three: fire everyone who resists Hosmer DFA
Step four: decide to keep payroll below 100 million but spend 100 million on player development
Ejemp sounds like a plan
Is it Crazy to think that the Pads should stay the course? They’ve acquired an impressive farm system, they could have some more coin to spend, don’t make the splashy move because it’s sexy to do so.
I think that staying the course for another season may be prudent but I can see how progress would be important to leadership for the optics of competing in 2020.
Aussie that is not crazy. That is a legitimate plan option
Haha thanks mate, Pads need to just be level headed, don’t trade away capital for the sake of it. Going after Thor is nice but does he get you to the playoffs? Probably not.
Padres will have to overpay on players salary or in prospect. Players don’t want to play for loser organization. So anti up or just keep doing what you have done for decades.
I am not entirely opposed to that trade but it would take a hell of time being finalized. There are a lot of variables to account for between money, talent, and potential. I don’t think it gets done but it would be interesting
Wrong Jose Castillo link. Just link everyone to Miguel Andujar since he comes up in every article or comment thread.
10-12 MLB teams are in rebuilds. Only 4 or 5 will succeed. And it’s far more difficult for a low budget team because after a few Wil Myers-type contracts given out, it limits moves that can be made.
Two teams I doubt will succeed are the Padres and White Sox. Overall their young pitching is questionable and those players are not being developed well. The Sox position players cannot play defense. The Padres have some guys that can play D, but they don’t hit well.
Most prospects wash out. Only 20% of Top 100 prospects last even 3 years in the majors. 3-5 years ago the Twins minor league system was bursting win highly-touted prospects. All that’s left is a mercurial hitting Miguel Sanó, a Peter Bourjos-type CF in Byron Buxton, and a terrific starting pitcher in José Berríos. There are some Max Kepler and Kyle Gibson-types that will hang around and have some good streaks every now and then – maybe even a good year – but the players I listed are not going to anchor a championship level team.
“Only 20% of Top 100 prospects last even 3 years in the majors” Where are you getting this stat from? Where are you getting that out of “10-12 MLB teams are in rebuild” “only 4 or 5 will succeed”? Links please….
Been following MLB over 50 years.
1. Saw those stats in an article maybe 3 years ago.
Find a 3-5 year-old copy of Baseball America and/or an MLB On-Line Prospects Ranking that someone took screen shots of and saved. Look at the names of the former top 100 prospects and see how many you recognize.
2. If you do not know that 10-12 teams are rebuilding, then you don’t follow the sport. Same as if not knowing that only 1/4-1/3’rd rebuilds have success enough to even get the team to be a legitimate playoff contender. Heavens, how many times have the Padres rebuilt since they were in the WS 20 years ago?
3. Do you think the Rangers, Mariners, Twins, Royals, Tigers, White Sox, Jays, Orioles, Marlins, Reds, Padres, D-Backs and others will all be making multiple World Series appearances 2-6 years from now?
Samuel makes some good points. There are only two teams in the world series each year. The more teams in a rebuild the more rebuilds percentage wise will not succeed. Cubs Astros Royals succeeded. Most will not
Been following it 50 years and you are still way off base. 21.7% of top 100 prospects become above average MLB regulars, meaning they put up a 3.0+ WAR.
I’m off base? Really?
How long do they last? Which was my point.
There are a limited number of positions on MLB rosters. Retirements happen, but with all the movement today, 25 man rosters now translate to most teams having played 40-plus men each year – some over 50. When the owners agreed to use 6 years service to allow players to become free agents, it’s because most players don’t last that long.
So 21.7% of top 100 prospects play above league average – for you don’t know how long? One with common sense would figure that most players performing above league average would have been Top 100 prospects. Your point?
What are you straightening me out about? You’re confirming what I wrote – 80% of Top 100 players wash out.
If you’re going to begin to understand statistics, learn about the 80/20 rule. Most professional disciplines recognized it long before computers were invented.
It is way too early to make judgments on a rebuild at least for the Padres. A majority of the talent acquired is still below AA. The depth of the system substantial and provides ample opportunity for prospects to make the jump to the top tier.
I don’t really pay much attention to the Padres farm system (crazy, I know) but aren’t they going into year four of their rebuild? And the majority of their talent is still below AA? Is this a seven-year rebuild then?
If it takes another couple years for the maturity to occur, and this team hasn’t had a winning record in 9 years, then it sounds like it might be over a decade beforethey go above .500 again. That’s if these prospect pan out, mind you.
I don’t get the whole San Diego thing. It’s a fantastic place with, in my opinion, the most perfect weather of any city in the country. The stadium is beautiful, it’s a great place to live and raise a family or be single, tons to do, and has a forgiving fan base. If I was a player I’d love to hang my hat there for a decade and become a hometown celebrity. Tony Gwynn never bought a drink in that town and probably made millions in local endorsements. You’d think they would have a better record and more players lining up to play there, but it never was the case and they always played red-headed stepchild to Los Angeles.
Little known fact: The winningest manager in Padres history is Bruce Bochy. His winning percentage was .494.
Padres started rebuilding under AJ preller in 2016. He killed the previous GMs rebuild in 2015 by going all in on Kemp,J.Upton,Myers,Kimbrel
Look at the Reds if you want to see how not to execute a rebuild.
Relief pitchers can’t bf counted on year to year. Padres can’t assume 2019 relief core productivity will stay
By that reasoning wouldn’t that be true for every single team?
the Padres, those cheap pr**ks..
Trading for kemp
Extending Myers
Signing Hosmer
All bad moves
Youre right! The padres are the only team to make bad moves. I mean the cubs are paying 23 mil for a 4th outfielder defensive replacement but the hosmer deal is bad.
#nonsense
Every team does make bad moves at one point but this is a padres post. Only reason i didnt include the James Shields signing is because Tatis JR should provide enough value to makes us think about it in a good way.
But but the prospects omg
No juiceman he never said the Padres are the only team that makes bad moves. Its that the Padres make more than most as does Preller?
Funny you mentioned the Cubs. Theo has 3 world championship rings. How many does Preller have?
Trading Rizzo was bad too
Trading Turner ….
Josh Byrnes traded Rizzo away in 2012. Preller got hired August 2014. He did include Turner as the PTBNL and instantly regretted it.
Teheran for Myers plus some salary relief ($20 mill?). If Teheran can pitch well anywhere, it should be in Petco. Moving Myers ends the Pads’ jam in the OF and gives the Braves a LF who may bounce back to being a solid everyday player.
Interesting from the Padres side. From the Braves said maybe. Meyers in the OF does not really bode well for Myers. I think je is best as a first baseman (better than Hosmer in fact) but the Braves do not need him there.
This is what happens when your only real baseball experience is Strat-O-Matic league. ALL positions are important.
1B is not an easier position than 3B. Anybody that claims a defensively poor player should just be plopped at 1B because it’s a garbage position is laughable, and clueless.
1B chances amount to an average of 33% of total defensive chances. An excellent defensive 1st baseman has to be adept at not only fielding grounders, but defending bunts, receiving pickoff throws from the pitcher, and sometimes, catcher, has the responsibility of being the cutoff man for throws from CF and RF and can save the infield numerous errors by having soft hands and scooping sometimes difficult throws out of the dirt.
1st base is also a ” hot corner ” where many balls are hit just as hard as the ones to 3rd base. You also have to be adept at feeding the ball to a pitcher covering 1st on plays the second baseman may not be able to complete, nevermind balls that are fielded deep on the line. Then there is the footwork you need to be proficient at to field balls thrown to either side of the bag to maximize your chances of an out and minimize the chance of an errant throw.
First base really just has more opportunities to hide defensive liabilities. Arm strength is less important there. Range limitations are less apparent especially when holding on runners. First base has fewer balls hit there because there are more right handed hitters. Defense at first still has value but the limitations of some players at the position are easier to offset with their offense.
Matching up Mejia for Greinke is not that terrible of an idea. Fills a void for both teams, really.
You need to be able to trade Greinke without eating salary before you can worry about getting prospects of Mejia’s ilk for him
Seems like the Padres and M’s could be a good fit for a mega trade. Some combo of Paxton, Segura, and Seager for Myers plus. Both GMs like to make big trades. Seems like a good match.
Hows all those former Royals working out for you? Go ahead and sign Moose and Escobar and trade for Greinke. I might watch you once in awhile just for a laugh or two.