During today’s FanFest event, Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller addressed enthusiastic fans about the current state of the team’s roster and shared his vision for the upcoming offseason. According to reports from MLB.com’s AJ Cassavell, Preller emphasized that the San Diego Padres are determined to kick off the season with a “championship-caliber ballclub.” To achieve this ambitious goal, he acknowledged the necessity of acquiring “a bat or two” and “an arm or two” before the season begins, highlighting the team’s proactive approach to roster improvement.

It comes as no surprise that Preller is looking to bolster the team’s lineup, especially given the current composition of the roster. The most significant move so far this offseason was the re-signing of Elias Diaz, which took place earlier this week. Diaz’s return alleviates some uncertainty surrounding the catching position, as he will provide stability behind the plate alongside Luis Campusano. Meanwhile, Padres supporters are eagerly anticipating the debut of top prospect Ethan Salas, who reached Double-A late last year at just 17 years old; however, his readiness for the major leagues in 2025 remains uncertain.

With the catching situation more or less secured, the Padres can now shift their focus toward enhancing the rest of the lineup. Luis Arraez is expected to be the primary starter at first base or designated hitter, but the organization will need to add at least one more player to complement him. Furthermore, the departure of popular outfielder Jurickson Profar, who recently signed with Atlanta, leaves a void in left field that has yet to be filled. As a result, Preller’s acknowledgment of the need for additional offensive talent before Opening Day, which is just weeks away, is entirely reasonable.

Preller’s remarks regarding the addition of another pitcher or two are particularly intriguing. While the Padres currently have a robust bullpen, significant additions there seem unlikely. However, concerns have arisen regarding the team’s starting rotation plans. Currently, the rotation is led by an impressive trio of right-handers: Dylan Cease, Michael King, and veteran Yu Darvish. The fourth and fifth spots in the rotation, however, remain uncertain, with options like Matt Waldron, Randy Vasquez, and Jhony Brito vying for those positions. Additionally, relievers such as Stephen Kolek and Bryan Hoeing have been suggested as potential candidates to transition into starting roles.

While the current rotation may appear somewhat thin, it is not significantly less robust than the 2024 rotation. Notably, Joe Musgrove will not compete in 2025 following Tommy John surgery last October, but he only made 19 starts last season. If Yu Darvish can stay healthy, having him available for a full season could replace those lost starts entirely. This situation makes the rotation less of a priority for upgrades compared to the lineup this offseason, leading to speculation about whether the team might consider trading from its starting rotation to enhance other areas. Both King and Cease are set to enter free agency after the 2025 season, with Cease generating considerable interest in trade discussions.

Trading a top-tier starter like Cease would be far from ideal for a team aiming for championship status. However, the reality of San Diego’s financial situation may necessitate exploring trades involving players like Cease, King, and even Arraez. While the organization does not seem compelled to reduce payroll significantly this winter, it is evident that they have limited flexibility in their budget. A trade involving a higher-salaried player such as Cease ($13.75MM) or Arraez ($14MM) could greatly enhance the club’s ability to sign one or more players in free agency, not to mention the potential return that could directly benefit the roster.

The Padres have demonstrated their willingness to get creative with contracts, as evidenced by their recent deals involving King and Diaz. This flexibility could be instrumental in acquiring several veteran role players despite the tight budget constraints. These role players could help address immediate roster needs, similar to last season when the Padres successfully signed affordable options like Profar, Donovan Solano, and David Peralta, who made significant contributions after lingering on the free-agent market before joining San Diego. Alternatively, these acquisitions could help replace the production lost from a player traded for assets that address other roster needs.

While it is challenging to speculate on specific targets for the Padres, the free-agent market still boasts a number of intriguing veterans who may be available at a reasonable cost. Players like Anthony Rizzo, J.D. Martinez, Jason Heyward, Mark Canha, and Alex Verdugo represent potential fits for San Diego’s current needs, and they are unlikely to demand exorbitant salaries. In terms of the rotation, acquiring additional starting pitchers could prove difficult without a trade that frees up payroll, as established starters often command high salaries even late in free agency. However, it is possible that a versatile pitcher like Jakob Junis or Jose Urena might remain available at a discounted rate, similar to how Michael Lorenzen signed last offseason.