Padres News: Jurickson Profar update, Xander Bogaerts’ 2025 role, Roki Sasaki

The San Diego Padres have remained relatively quiet this offseason. Yes, there has been some chatter here and there about players the Padres could target, but little in the way of concrete moves beyond extending manager Mike Shildt.

However, the GM Meetings have come and gone and that means Padres fans can expect an uptick in the rumor mill both with trades as well as signings. Former Padres outfielder Juan Soto is going to receive most of the press to be sure, but with only so many team able to afford the All-Star's price tag, his market isn't as big as you might think. The majority of free agent signing won't have to wait on Soto, and that could mean a fun few weeks for the Friar faithful depending on what AJ.. Preller has in store.

Padres News: Jurickson Profar reunion seen as unlikely at the moment

For many Padres fans, Profar's career year in 2024 is viewed as one of the biggest reasons why San Diego had such a great season. It is hard to argue with the logic, as few expected Profar to go off like he did. Profar lengthened San Diego's lineup considerably along with rookie outfielder Jackson Merrill. There has a lot of optimism that Profar would return next season, with both sides wanting the partnership to continue.

The problem is that the rest of the league seems to have taken notice of Profar as well. The most recent update suggests that Profar's market may have pushed beyond the Padres' comfort level. The expectation is that the Profar could get contract somewhere in the range of three years at $12-16 million per season. A reunion could still happen, especially if demand cools, but the odds don't look great at the moment.

Padres News: Xander Bogaerts will receive a heads up if a position change is coming

One of the odder developments leading up to the 2024 season wasn't that the Padres ultimately decided to move Xander Bogaerts off of shortstop, but how they handled the whole situation. Bogaerts seemed surprised by the move and didn't have much time to practice at second base games began to count. It doesn't look like San Diego will be making the same mistake twice.

At the GM meetings this past week, Preller went out of his way to say, "I think probably we’ll try to have some information earlier for him this year than we did last year. I think it was cool the way he (Bogaerts) handled things. I was a little late, because we had a lot of questions about the roster." With Ha-Seong Kim now likely headed elsewhere in free agency, change is going to be inevitable. However, it does seem like Bogaerts (and the rest of us) will be aware of San Diego's plans earlier this time around.

Padres News: Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki could be available this offseason

Like every West Coast team, the Padres have closely monitored Japanese star pitcher Roki Sasaki and his timeline to the major leagues. In terms of pure stuff, Sasaki is among the most exciting Japanese prospects in recent years to emerge from NPB and the league as a whole has been eagerly awaiting the day for when his current club makes him available.

As it turns out, Sasaki could indeed come over to the big leagues this offseason. Not yet 25 years old, doing so would result in a much smaller contract for Sasaki, as he would be considered an international free agent. But Sasaki's desire to play in MLB could be realized this offseason. While the Los Angeles Dodgers would be the prohibitive favorite to sign Sasaki, the Padres have scouted the hell out of him, and could make a strong case as well.

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