MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stifles wild concern expressed by Padres fans

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred provided some solace to Padres fans during what has been a turbulent offseason when he quickly shot down a rumor that has been moving through the ranks of the Padres community. With John Seidler approved as the next control person of the Padres, Manfred made it clear in an interview that there is no risk of relocation under the new ownership.

After the passing of late owner Peter Seidler, an ugly lawsuit and battle for control of the team has gripped Padres headlines for most of the offseason. Sheel Seidler, Peter's wife, sued his brothers Bob and Matt Seidler for sole control of the team. Sheel alleged the two had plans to relocate or sell the team, a claim that both have adamantly denied. The lawsuit is still ongoing.

Padres can now shift focus finalizing roster

With MLB owners approving John as the new control person of the Padres, the team can finally put the family drama behind them. Once John becomes the trustee of Peter Seidler's trust, the Padres will have a much more organized front office, one that should be looking to buy before the season begins.

The Padres have lost a number of key free agents without bringing any notable replacements back in, and the ownership fiasco that has greatly impacted the Padres negotiating power during the offseason is a direct link.

Jurickson Profar, the fan favorite and best bargain signing of 2024, stated that the dysfunctional nature of the Padres front office was in fact a reason he did not resign, and instead signed with the Atlanta Braves.

"Obviously the Padres have some issue with the ownership and all that," Profar said in an interview with Atlanta media after signing his three-year, $42 million contract. "It was difficult to go back (to San Diego), but Alex (Anthopoulos) showed a lot, a lot of interest in me and I loved that. He gave me a lot of confidence to come to a team and to perform."

Losing Profar and replacing him with bench options like Connor Joe and Jason Heyward should be a sign of a mismanaged front office. Now with the new control group seemingly set, President of General Manager AJ Preller has a new opportunity to move some of the trade pieces the Padres have been teasing all offseason, or make a big name signing on the free agent market.