Padres 'Actively Talking to Different' Free Agents, Says GM AJ Preller

Will the Friars be able to land any of these free agents?

The San Diego Padres 2023-2024 offseason has been far from eventful, except for their trade of Juan Soto to the New York Yankees. San Diego has suffered more losses than gains this offseason. 

It's a far cry from where this team was a year and a half ago. Although the Friars pitchers and catchers will report on Sunday, your Padres won't just settle with their current team. 

The Padres went out and signed left-handed reliever Wandy Peralta. Peralta will undoubtedly help bolster the bullpen, but general manager A.J. Preller expressed the team isn't done. In a recent interview with The Athletic's Dennis Lin, Preller gave his thoughts on the remainder of the offseason.

“We’re still actively talking to different players — you know, outfield, starting-pitching options, as well as ’pen-type possibilities,” Preller said.

Per A.J. Preller via The Athletic

Currently, the Padres only have two outfielders on their 40-man roster — José Azocar and superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. 

There's no question the team must sign at least two more outfielders, and there are some solid options on the open market, like Cody Bellinger, Michael Taylor and old friend Tommy Pham, to name a few.

As for starting pitching, the chances of bringing back Blake Snell are dim. On top of that, the options at starting pitching are beginning to dwindle. 

The Padres need a left-handed pitcher, as their projected starting pitchers are all right-handers. Jordan Montgomery is still on the market but may be too expensive. 

Hyun-Jin Ryu is still there, but he's 36 and won't be a difference-maker. Still, San Diego needs a lefty in their rotation, and we'll see what Preller has up his sleeve. 

Lastly, the bullpen. The San Diego bullpen was among the top 10 in ERA, thanks to the likes of Josh Hader. Even though Hader is gone, the bullpen has the potential to be just as good or even better. 

They have solid pieces like Yuki Matsui, Peralta, and Woo-Suk Go, and they are not done. It's a balanced group, with each pitcher having different abilities and deliveries. Another one may be on the way as well.

With a great mix of guys and versatility, the Padres may be able to sneak up on some teams in 2024.