Padres News: Ha-Seong Kim rumors, Mike Shildt falls short, Petco Park renovations

The San Diego Padres added three pitchers to the 40-man roster ahead of Tuesday's deadline to protect the prospects from the Rule 5 Draft. After adding Henry Baez, Omar Cruz, and Ryan Berget, the Padres' roster now stands at 37.

There could be some other shakeups just around the corner with Friday's non-tender deadline quickly approaching. Might A.J. Preller and Co. continue to purge the roster with an eye toward a couple free agent additions in the coming weeks?

Padres News: Dodgers, Red Sox & others among most likely Ha-Seong Kim destinations

Speaking of free agents, one that's unlikely to return in 2025 is shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. The infielder opted out of his contract with the Friars and will likely have to ride out the first-half of the 2025 season the 60-day IL while he recovers from shoulder surgery.

But that hasn't scared teams away from inquiring about the 29-year-old. The San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays were among the early teams interested in Kim, but recently the slick-fielding shortstop has been tied to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox. There appears to be a bidding war developing for Kim's services.

Padres News: Mike Shildt finished second in Manager of the Year race

Padres fans continue to be angered over Jackson Merrill's snub for NL Rookie of the Year, and you can now add Mike Shildt's name to the list as well. The Friars' manager finished second behind Milwaukee Brewers skipper Pat Murphy for the 2024 NL Manager of the Year Award.

Murphy and Shildt both led their clubs to identical records in 2024, and despite San Diego's much more difficult road to the playoffs, the BBWAA still awarded Milwaukee's manager with the honor. Shildt received one first-place vote, as did Carlos Mendoza (New York Mets) and Rob Thomson (Philadelphia Phillies).

Padres News: Petco Park renovations

The Western Metal Supply Building at Petco Park is part of the $7 million renovations going on at the Padres' home ballpark this offseason. The renovations, however, are not expected to affect the aesthetics of the building's exterior.

Among the improvements will be an expanded team store, renovations to the roof top, and a new luxury space known as the Foul Pole Suite. Get ready, Pads fans, there's going to be some sparkling improvements to Petco in 2025.

More San Diego Padres News and Rumors