Padres’ offseason shopping list will be daunting without some AJ Preller magic

San Diego Padres front office head A.J. Preller has a well-earned reputation as an executive that is completely unafraid to make deals. That trend continued in 2024 when he made several high profile moves including trading for Dylan Cease, Luis Arraez, and basically an entirely new bullpen. One can question Preller's methods at times, but there is no denying that the guy can and will pull the trigger on moves if he thinks it will make the team better.

With the GM Meetings this week, Padres fans are on the lookout for any signs as to what Preller could have in store this offseason. While there isn't much word as to who the Padres are actively pursuing, what positions the team is looking to upgrade is widely known, and Preller's offseason shopping list looks extremely daunting.

Padres President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller has a tall task ahead this offseason

There have already been hints that Preller could make some waves yet again this offseason. He's clearly trying to keep his options open after not extending a qualifying offer to Jurickson Profar. There has certainly been a good bit of chatter around some potential big names like Blake Snell, but most that has been pure speculation.

The Padres' unexpected success this season likely helped the team's cash flow, but San Diego doesn't have the "screw you" money to throw around like they used to. With the team facing the potential losses of players like Profar, Tanner Scott, and Ha-Seong Kim, San Diego's offseason wish list now includes left field, starting pitcher, bullpen reinforcements, and some sort of 1B/DH type bat in addition to figuring out their future catching plans. That is a lot of needs to cover for any team, even one as deep as the Padres currently are.

Some of these moves can be handled with internal options, which would help a good bit. However, Preller may be forced to place his bets on those internal options early this offseason. In short, there are a lot of moving pieces right now that come with a lot of opportunity cost.

Fortunately, this is exactly the kind of environment where Preller thrives. More often than not, Preller comes out of chaotic markets further ahead than the vast majority of teams out there. Fans probably can't expect the Padres to go out and sign Juan Soto (as sweet as that would be), but that doesn't mean there couldn't be some fireworks along the way as the front office navigates a crucial offseason.

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