5 big-name free agents the Padres should avoid (and one they must go all-in on)

With free agency now underway, let's take a look at five big-name free agents the San Diego Padres should steer clear from, for various reasons (and one who they need to go all-in on).

5 big-name free agents the Padres shouldn’t touch

Steer clear: Cody Bellinger, 1B/OF

Bellinger's MVP history and his ability to play multiple positions makes him an exciting possibility for any team, but the Padres really should steer clear from signing the 30-year-old to a big deal this winter. Bellinger's inconsistency has affected him throughout his entire career, and as he gets older, it's less likely he'll ever repeat his MVP-caliber season again.

Steer clear: Munetaka Murakami, 1B/3B

The Padres obviously don't need Murakami to play third base, so if they signed the Japanese slugger, it would be to replace Luis Arraez at first base. As fun as it would be to take a page from the Dodgers book and sign a player from Japan, it's probably not a great fit. Murakami will be expensive, and he has not proven anything yet in the big leagues. There is a real possibility he never lives up the hype, and the Padres should let someone else take the fall. They don't have the budget to take a big risk like that.

Steer clear: Edwin Diaz, RP

When Diaz is on, he's among the best relievers in the game of baseball. However, he's been plagued with down years and injuries, and at 32-years-old, he might be running out of gas soon. The Padres also don't need to sign a big-name reliever. They have Adrian Morejon and Jason Adam in place, and depending on how the rotation shakes out, Mason Miller might also be in the pen. That's a good enough group that Edwin Diaz is not a need.

Steer clear: Luis Arraez, 1B

He has the best batting average in baseball this decade, but the Padres should not bring back Arraez to play first base. His inconsistency and one-dimensional skill set was not helpful to the Padres in 2025, and it felt like he actually held the team back. Arraez will find a home, but it should not be in San Diego.

Steer clear: JT Realmuto, C

Realmuto will be an enticing option for the Padres this offseason. He's the best catcher available, and the Padres need a catcher. Freddy Fermin is a borderline starter at the position, but adding a guy like Realmuto would make a lot of sense, right?

Wrong. Realmuto is 35 years old, and will be aging quickly. Catchers tend to age faster than other position players, and the Padres need to be smart about how the approach the position. It would be a mistake to commit long-term money to a guy like Realmuto.

One big-name free agent the Padres should go all-in on this offseason

All-in: Michael King, SP

If the Padres are going to go all-in on a free agent, King is their best option. MLB.com ranked him as the second-best starter available, behind Dylan Cease, but King has pitched better for the Padres over the past two years and would make more sense to be brought back.