In this article
The San Diego Padres have one starting pitcher they can truly count on for 2027, and their new owners want to make a splash this offseason, according to ESPN.
ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez reported Friday that Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano are expected to be aggressive. MLB owners unanimously approved their purchase of the Padres on Aug. 17.
Randy Vásquez is the lone dependable starter, ESPN reported. San Diego has set up a meeting with Tarik Skubal and has shown interest in Freddy Peralta, among other free-agent starters. The Padres are also open to reunions with Michael King, Nick Pivetta, and Nick Martinez.
A.J. Preller Says The New Owners Are Committed
Padres president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller said he is not sure exactly how much money he will have to spend and that the figure will depend on the player.
“They’re committed to putting a winning team on the field,” Preller said.
Jones and Feliciano got a taste of winning in 2026, Preller said, when the Padres returned to the playoffs and played a competitive division series. He said the owners “understand it takes resources and it takes payroll to do that.”
Padres Cleared Nearly $60 Million But Carry Big Commitments
San Diego cleared nearly $60 million when five players, including Pivetta, King, and Adrian Morejon, became free agents, according to ESPN. The club still needs help in left field, at first base, and possibly at the back of the bullpen.
Long-term deals for Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Xander Bogaerts combine for more than $80 million a year toward the club’s competitive balance tax payroll through 2033, ESPN reported.
The Padres extended Morejon a $23.15 million qualifying offer. He has until Nov. 17 to decide.
Join the conversation