MLB execs expect Padres to make a joke of the CBT threshold in 2026

We've known AJ Preller is a bold GM for a while now, and MLB executives seem to believe he will continue to make bold moves this offseason. In Mark Feinsand's latest article for MLB.com, the writer indicated Preller's sights might already be set on the offseason, even as his team heads towards the postseason for a second straight year.

Feinsand notes that the Padres will have roughly $152 million on the books for nine players in 2026. Those nine players are Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, Fernando Tatís Jr, Nick Pivetta, Joe Musgrove, Yu Darvish, Jake Cronenworth, Yuki Matsui, and Ramon Laureano, who the team is expected to keep in 2026 by picking up a club option.

There are also players like Mason Miller, Freddy Fermin, Jason Adam, Gavin Sheets, and Adrian Morejon, who will see arbitration raises. And the team could try extend Jackson Merrill after a down year, to save money long term.

Needless to say, the Padres already have plenty of money on the books for 2026. They'll also have holes to fill. Michael King and Dylan Cease are heading to free agency, leaving a huge hole atop the rotation. Robert Suarez is expected to opt-out of his remianing years, leaving a hole atop the bullpen as well. The lineup will lose Luis Arraez at first base, Ryan O'Hearn at DH, and Jose Iglesias at the utility role.

“I think he’ll do what he always does,” said one executive. “He’ll find a way to go after some big names.”

If that means going over the $244 million competitve balance threshold, they will. If that kind of spending is not in the Padres budget, they will find other creative ways to add the talent they need.

Preller has proven he's never one to shy away from bold moves. Expect him to do it again this offseason, regardless of the budget.