The Padres' three worst missed opportunities of the offseason so far

It was always going to be an offseason where the Padres were limited on the type of moves that they could make. With six important pieces on the open market five days after the conclusion of the World Series, it wasn’t going to be easy for A.J. Preller to make decisions.

Out of the big names on that hit the market, the team was able to retain Michael King on a three-year, $75 million deal. If we’re being honest, that is a massive win considering what the starting rotation could’ve been if King chose to depart.

Among the small number of wins, the Padres had their fair share of misses in the biggest waves of free agency. Three in particular stand out.

Padres’ three most painful missed opportunities of the offseason so far

Missing out on Tyler Mahle

The breakout of Tyler Mahle was one for the ages in 2025, as he posted a 2.18 ERA over the course of 86.2 innings. Despite not pitching a lot of frames, the stats earned him a two-year, $22 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. 

So if you’re saying the Giants can buy low on a guy like Mahle, but the Padres can’t? He would’ve made the perfect addition to a rotation featuring King, Nick Pivetta, and Joe Musgrove. A major swing and miss by Preller and the front office.

Why is Jake Cronenworth still on the roster?

This is less of a shot at Cronenworth and more of a hit on his contract. With five years and $60 million remaining on his deal, which isn’t set to expire until 2031, the 32-year-old hasn’t produced compared to what his contract is worth.

The contract has limited Preller and the company from making worthwhile moves involving starting pitching, first base, and catcher. It’s not a matter of when he will be traded, it's why he not been traded yet.

There is still plenty of time for Preller to make something happen on this front, but he can’t stall. He needs to be proactive.

Not signing J.T. Realmuto

Granted, catcher was never the biggest need for the Padres, because Freddy Fermin panned out alright in brown and yellow once traded away from the Kansas City Royals. However, if there is one absolutely vital aspect, it’s depth. Something the Padres don’t have at catcher.

Plus, Fermin is at his best when not catching every day, which means making Realmuto a full-time starter. Despite only logging a .700 OPS, Realmuto presented elite defense and solid baserunning that would’ve complemented the San Diego lineup well.