The National League playoff picture is only getting more crowded, and the San Diego Padres are watching it happen from the sidelines-for now. While teams like the Dodgers, Mets, Phillies, and Cubs have been aggressive this offseason, loading up with talent and making big moves to bolster their rosters, the Padres have taken a more reserved approach.
So far, San Diego’s most notable moves include re-signing right-hander Michael King and bringing in South Korean pitcher Sung-Mun Song on a four-year deal. Solid additions, but not exactly the kind of headline-grabbing transactions that shift the balance of power in the NL.
With a new manager in Craig Stammen at the helm, the Padres are still aiming high. The goal remains the same: bring home the franchise’s first World Series title.
But to get there, they’ve got some serious gaps to fill-and first base is right at the top of the list.
At the moment, the Padres have a few internal options. Jake Cronenworth, who’s primarily their second baseman, can slide over to first if needed.
.@Ken_Rosenthal mentions the Padres first when asked about Nick Castellanos' future. Castellanos has been taking ground balls at 1B. Phillies want to get rid of him and San Diego is looking for a first baseman.
— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) January 22, 2026
How much of the $20 million will the Phillies be willing to pay?… pic.twitter.com/mwg1VzApjg
He’s versatile enough to handle multiple infield spots, including shortstop. Then there’s Gavin Sheets, a left-handed bat who’s seen time at first but is ideally slotted as the designated hitter.
The front office would prefer to keep Sheets in that DH role and find a more consistent, right-handed option at first.
That’s where Nick Castellanos enters the conversation.
According to Ken Rosenthal, Castellanos is a name to watch in San Diego. The Padres are reportedly looking for a right-handed bat who won’t break the bank, and Castellanos could check both boxes. Rosenthal noted that the veteran outfielder has been taking ground balls and working out at first base-an indication that he’s open to a position change, and possibly a new role.
Now, let’s be clear: Castellanos is coming off a down year. In 147 games last season, he hit .250 with a .694 OPS and posted a -1.0 WAR.
That’s a far cry from his peak seasons, and at 33 years old, he’s not the same offensive force he once was. But there’s still value here-especially in a platoon role.
Castellanos has historically fared much better against left-handed pitching, and that could make him a nice complement to Sheets if the Padres decide to go with a right-left tandem at first.
It’s not a blockbuster move, but it could be a smart, strategic one-especially for a Padres team that doesn’t have unlimited financial flexibility and still needs to patch some holes. Castellanos may not be the long-term answer at first base, but in the right role, he could help stabilize a position that’s currently in flux.
The Padres have the talent to contend. The core is still strong.
But if they want to keep pace with the NL’s elite, they’ll need to get creative-and soon. Whether it’s Castellanos or another under-the-radar addition, addressing first base is a must if they want to stay in the title conversation.