Padres News: First round of spring training cuts, San Diego signs outfielder

With spring training comes a lot of roster shuffling and cuts across the league, and the San Diego Padres are no different.

While it's inevitable that players will have to get moved out of big league camp because there aren't 70+ big league jobs available in 2024 (or any season), what these cuts actually do is provide insight with how some spring training competitions are going and how new manager Mike Shildt wants to use the team's time during camp.

Padres News: San Diego makes first round of spring training cuts

Traditionally, the first round of cuts that teams make in spring training is just sending players back over to minor-league camp. These moves are typically a formality as there will still be minor leaguers that aren't technically in big league camp appearing in games. But the moves are made to provide clarity on what roster decisions actually need to be made, and give the MiLB guys time to get ready for the minor-league season.

The Padres made that first wave of "cuts" this morning and are sending 10 players back to minor-league camp. No huge surprises in this wave as all of the Padres' top prospects still remain in camp, although it would have been nice to see if Kevin Kopps could have made a push for a bullpen spot.

Padres News: San Diego signs Tim Locastro to minor league deal

While the Padres seem hellbent on moving at least one of their many shortstops to the outfield this spring, they could use some more actual outfield depth in the event that such a transition doesn't work out. It seems as though AJ Preller agrees as he went out and signed Tim Locastro to a minor-league deal.

Is Locastro a threat to steal an everyday lineup spot in 2024? No, but he does have plenty of experience as a bench outfielder who has good defensive chops and is a strong option to pinch run when the Padres need it. Adding Locastro gives San Diego a solid bench option who can fill in when needed.

Every little bit helps at this point.

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