Padres’ offseason grade from one MLB writer clashes with fan doom

Public opinion of the Padres' offseason may differ depending on what people look for in how to build a contending roster. While the front office didn’t make a ton of top-dollar signings or impactful trades, they were able to make moves that kept the team afloat.

It was always going to be tough sledding for upper management because of the cap constraints the team saw. The amount of guaranteed money in some contracts meant that there would be some tough goodbyes and not many signings to counter.

The Padres’ offseason grade is kinder than San Diego’s been acting

The Athletic’s Jim Bowden released an article that graded every team’s offseason, and to many’s surprise, the Padres received a B-. Considering the massive turnover on the roster. 

“The Padres, financially hamstrung by long-term contracts, have had very little to spend this offseason,” Bowden wrote.

The Padres saw the exits of Dylan Cease, Luis Arraez, Ryan O’Hearn, and Robert Suarez this offseason, which is very difficult to overcome with no big prospects coming up.

However, the team was miraculously able to bring back Michael King on a three-year deal, while also adding infield depth by signing Sung-mun Song out of KBO on a four-year, $15 million deal.

They’ve also added Nick Castellanos on a one-year deal, with Ty France, Walker Buehler, and Triston McKenzie coming in on spring training invites.

The bullpen remains elite with the big four of Jeremiah Estrada, Adrian Morejon, Jason Adam, and Mason Miller, which does a favor for new manager Craig Stammen, as that means he doesn’t need to get a ton of innings out of his starters.

All things considered, if senior writers are saying that the Padres have done a fine job this offseason, then fans should calm down and realize that everything will be alright.

All the Padres need to do now is sign maybe one more starting pitcher, and then the roster is in good shape. There just aren’t many resources (money/prospects) available that would greatly improve the roster.