The San Diego Padres are enduring one of the worst offseasons in franchise history. After coming painfully close to dethroning the Los Angeles Dodgers in last year’s National League Division Series, the team appeared to be just a few key pieces away from making a serious leap. Instead, the Padres have failed—or perhaps refused—to make any significant additions. Aside from minor league deals and uninspiring moves like the recent trade for right-hander Ron Marinaccio from the White Sox for cash considerations, the front office has been silent. For a team in desperate need of a splash, Padres fans are coming to terms with the painful reality that no major offseason moves are on the horizon.
Padres in Desperate Need of Big Moves Amid Quiet Offseason
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com recently highlighted the Padres as one of three teams in dire need of a “big move,” citing discussions with MLB executives. According to Feinsand, one American League executive called San Diego “the absolute obvious team” that must make a significant acquisition. While it may be obvious to fans and analysts alike, the Padres’ front office remains inactive. This offseason has been overshadowed by uncertainty and frustration.
San Diego lost out on the highly coveted Japanese ace Roki Sasaki to the rival Dodgers and recently saw fan-favorite Jurickson Profar sign with the Atlanta Braves. Adding to the disappointment, Blake Snell, the former Cy Young winner with the Padres, and All-Star reliever Tanner Scott have both joined the Dodgers. However, the biggest cloud hanging over the franchise is the ongoing and much-publicized legal dispute regarding team ownership. It is increasingly clear that ownership turmoil has severely hampered the Padres’ ability to pursue the aggressive offseason they needed. Headlines have focused on the wrong things, and the momentum built under late owner Peter Seidler now feels like a distant memory.
“The #Padres have some issues with the ownership and all that.”
Whelp….? pic.twitter.com/MT0Snswt5U
— Jim Russell (@JimRussellSD) January 24, 2025
Uncertainty in the Post-Peter Seidler Era
Under Seidler’s leadership, the Padres were known for pursuing top-tier talent aggressively. With him at the helm, it would have been no surprise for the team to be in the mix for stars like Blake Snell, Corbin Burnes, Pete Alonso, or even Juan Soto. Even if they didn’t land them, they would have been serious contenders in discussions. Contract extensions for breakout stars like Michael King and rookie phenom Jackson Merrill would have likely been high on the agenda as well.
However, with Seidler gone, the Padres have taken a backseat approach, shackled by an ownership group that appears content to revert to their small-market ways. Longtime fans remember the lean years when San Diego fielded rosters filled with overachievers and underdogs, like Chris Denorfia, Everth Cabrera, Chase Headley, Alexi Amarista, Will Venable, Clayton Richard, among many others. Star players, such as hometown hero Adrián González, were traded away as soon as they became too expensive.
Today, the Padres boast a roster featuring stars like Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Jackson Merrill. The team has become a perennial postseason contender, filling Petco Park night after night. Yet, recent months feel like an unwelcome return to the past, leaving many to wonder if the franchise is once again embracing a “don’t spend, trade stars” philosophy.
Major Offseason Needs Remain Unaddressed
Despite the apparent lack of a blockbuster move, the Padres and general manager A.J. Preller still have several pressing needs to address before spring training. With Profar’s departure, the team faces a glaring hole in the outfield. Will prospect Tirso Ornelas finally get his chance in the majors?
Beyond the outfield, the Padres need more depth in the starting rotation and additional bullpen arms. Trade rumors have swirled around key players such as Dylan Cease, Luis Arráez, Jake Cronenworth, and Xander Bogaerts. While potential deals could still materialize, the Padres might be better off retaining their current core and running it back. Losing more talent in free agency would only weaken an already incomplete roster.
The Padres’ lack of moves this offseason has been a major disappointment for the Friar Faithful. Feinsand’s article highlights the glaring need for impactful moves, but the reality is clear: none are coming anytime soon. The once-ambitious franchise that fans grew accustomed to under Seidler now faces an uncertain future, leaving many to question what lies ahead for San Diego.
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