Important dates for Padres fans to know in the 2025-26 MLB offseason

The Padres' 2025 season is wrapped up, and all focus is on what the organization will do to spruce up the roster for 2026. The team hit a fork in the road with Mike Shildt's departure as manager, so filling that vacancy has suddenly become top priority.

But the offseason still trudges on, and with that, there are a few important dates that San Diego fans should be aware of. Here they are.

Important dates for Padres fans to know in the 2025-26 MLB offseason

Qualifying offer deadline: 5 days after the World Series concludes

We still do not the exact dates, but the qualifying offer deadline will fall somewhere between Nov. 2 and Nov. 6, dependent on the longevity of the World Series. The Padres will likely give QOs to Dylan Cease and Michael King, but fans should not expect either starting pitcher to accept it. Cease is more than likely gone, but the Padres can still retain Michael King if a deal appeases both sides.

Non-tender deadline: November 21

The Padres may look to dump some payroll, and it could start by non-tendering someone like JP Sears, Luis Campusano, or Freddy Fermin. All three players are arbitration eligible, but it will come down to whether they want to keep depth at the catcher position, or if Sears being a left-handed pitcher is worthwhile despite a spotty stint with San Diego.

MLB Winter Meetings: December 8-11

The MLB Winter Meetings will take place in Orlando, Florida this season. AJ Preller and his front office staff are famous for rocking the baseball world during this time. Some of his more notable Winter Meetings deals include trading for Juan Soto (2023) and making a deal for Matt Kemp (2024).

The 2025 MLB Draft Lottery will be during the Winter Meetings, which will happen on December 9 at 1 p.m. PST. The Rule 5 Draft will occur the next day, December 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. PST.

Padres FanFest: TBD

According to a Petco Park website, the event will take place in February, but a specific date is still not confirmed. This past season, FanFest was on February 1.

Pitchers and catchers report to spring training: February 2026

Players will report for the 2026 season some time in February at the Peoria Sports Complex in Arizona. The Cactus League schedule has not been release dyet, but pitchers and catchers normally show up in the second week of February.