Padres Winter Meetings 2024: Everything fans need to know about MLB's tentpole event

The 2024 MLB Winter Meetings are upon us and the San Diego Padres have been suspiciously quiet. Aside from some understandable speculation around the return of Jurickson Profar as well as a lot of chatter about the chances they land Roki Sasaki, little is known about what A.J. Preller could have in store this offseason beyond addressing some well-defined roster needs.

The MLB Winter Meetings are the biggest offseason stage and have historically been where a lot of high-profile moves are made. As to what exactly the Winter Meetings are and the schedule of events that will be taking place, that requires a bit more explanation.

2024 MLB Winter Meetings: Dates, schedule, and everything Padres fans need to know

This year's iteration of the MLB Winter Meetings will take place in Dallas, Texas on December 9-12, 2024 with executives and other representatives of every team throughout Major League Baseball, as well as a ton of player agents and officials, will hold meetings to discuss league business and, of course, get together in hopes of striking free agent deals and trades.

In addition to the expected whirlwind of signings, trades, and rumors, there are a few important events that occur at the event. The night before the meetings officially start on December 8th, the Hall of Fame's Classic Baseball Era committee will vote to see if anyone will be inducted into Cooperstown. Former Padres infielder Steve Garvey is among those under consideration.

On December 10th, the MLB Draft Lottery will take place. San Diego made the playoffs and aren't going to be a factor, but it is always fun to see who will end up picking at the top of the draft. The Colorado Rockies have the best odds at the No. 1 overall pick at a 22.45% followed by the Miami Marlins and the Los Angeles Angels.

Finally, the Rule 5 Draft takes place on December 11th this year at the Winter Meetings. While most of these picks are considered fringe additions, the Padres have a number of players eligible for the Rule 5 Draft including highly touted catching prospect Brandon Valenzuela who might be the most probable guy to get picked, although historically pitchers have been more likely.

What will the Padres do at the MLB Winter Meetings this year?

So far, the Padres have played things pretty close to the vest. Assuming a world where Juan Soto signs somewhere beforehand or early on during the meetings, Profar's actual market could come into focus quickly and San Diego should be in the middle of it. If Profar signs elsewhere or his asking price gets too rich, Preller could pivot hard to what is left of the corner outfield market in a hurry.

Adding a starting pitcher remains an important offseason shopping list item even if San Diego feels confident they will end up with Sasaki. Joe Musgrove being out next season is a significant blow and certainly heightens the importance of another starter. The Padres are also likely to lose Tanner Scott, so it wouldn't be a shock if the front office added a bullpen arm or two during the festivities next week.

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