Trio of outfield free agents could be answer to Padres left field problem

The Padres have been a bit slow in the free agent action this winter, but that could be set to change soon. With All-Star Jurickson Profar likely not coming back to San Diego, the Friars need to find his replacement to fill out a strong outfield that already bolsters MVP candidate Fernando Tatís Jr. and rising star Jackson Merrill.

Looking at the free agent pool, the Padres have a decent set of options at left field. Whether they will be cheap, a strong defender, or a spark plug, San Diego might look into Randal Grichuk, Alex Verdugo, or Jesse Winker.

Trio of outfield free agents could be answer to Padres left field problem

Randal Grichuk

Grichuk, 33, would be the most cost effective player among the three players. Making just $2 million last season with the Diamondbacks, he will likely land in the $10-$12 million range in 2025 after a solid campaign. Grichuk was productive for a contending team, registering a surprising 140 OPS+ in 106 games behind 34 extra-base hits.

Whether he is an every day player or a platoon option, Grichuk would be a sneaky-good sign. His age doesn't seem to be an issue after batting .404 this past September with seven home runs and five doubles.

Alex Verdugo

Although Verdugo, 28, struggled on offense last season with the Yankees, he still produced 28 doubles and 13 home runs. He's drawing interest from several clubs around the league, which hints at front offices believing he will turn things back around offensively.

Even if he doesn't vastly improve, Verdugo is an elite defender who has one of the best outfield arms with decent range. He's a reliable glove who doesn't strike out often, so don't be surprised if Verdugo receives a multi-year deal somewhere. Verdugo cashed in at the plate this postseason with New York, too, driving in eight runs across 14 playoff contests.

Jesse Winker

A certified clubhouse presence, Winker, 31, brings plenty to the table on both sides of the ball. He has a career 118 OPS+ and reeled in 37 extra-base hits with the Nationals and the Mets last year. His chase rate and walk rate are elite, and he has a similar arm value to Verdugo.

Winker also clubbed a .385 average in the NLCS against the Dodgers, reaching base 10 times in 19 plate appearances. Among these three players, Winker might be the best of both worlds. He's the second-youngest but also produces on offense and on defense. His passion will bode well with other players on San Diego (Tatís, Machado), too.

If San Diego elects to sign any of these three players, a benefit can be found in any of them. It will all depend on what the front office staff prioritizes most, but their options are not limited to fill the left field vacancy.