Padres Take a Low-Risk Swing on Jose Miranda, Betting on a Bounce-Back Bat
If there's one thing we’ve learned about A.J. Preller over the years, it’s that his offseason moves rarely come with a drumroll.
They just happen - fast, calculated, and often in bunches. This December has been no different.
In typical Preller fashion, the Padres front office has quietly pieced together a string of moves - each one a calculated bet, each one adding a layer of depth to a roster that’s clearly still in flux.
The latest addition? Former Twins infielder Jose Miranda, signed to a minor league deal with a spring training invite. It’s the kind of under-the-radar move that might not make headlines today, but could pay dividends down the line - especially for a Padres team looking to retool its infield options after the departure of Luis Arraez.
A Low-Risk, High-Upside Lottery Ticket
Let’s be clear: this is not a blockbuster. Miranda, 27, is coming off a tough 2025 campaign.
He managed just 12 games at the big-league level and struggled to a .569 OPS in Triple-A. That kind of season doesn’t earn you a guaranteed roster spot - and that’s not what San Diego is offering.
But what makes this move interesting is the upside. Miranda isn’t far removed from showing he can be more than just depth.
Back in his 2022 rookie season, he hit .268 with 15 home runs and 66 RBIs over 125 games. That’s not superstar production, but it’s reliable, everyday-player stuff - especially for a team like the Twins that was battling through injuries at the time.
Then there’s July 2024 - a flash of brilliance that reminded everyone what Miranda’s bat can do when he’s locked in. He went 12-for-12 at the plate, tying the MLB record for consecutive at-bats with a hit and setting a new Twins franchise mark. It was one of those surreal stretches where every swing found grass, and for a few days, Miranda became appointment viewing.
That kind of heater doesn’t come out of nowhere. It shows there’s still something in the tank - and that’s exactly the kind of upside Preller is banking on.
Depth Behind Arraez’s Departure
The timing of this signing matters. With Arraez no longer anchoring the top of the lineup, the Padres are in search of answers - or at least options - to replace his elite contact profile. Miranda isn’t a one-to-one replacement, but he does offer a similar approach at the plate when he’s right: a compact swing, good bat-to-ball skills, and enough pop to keep pitchers honest.
In a perfect world, Miranda rediscovers the form that made him a key piece in Minnesota. But even if he doesn’t, this deal still works for San Diego. It’s a no-risk investment - a spring training invite with no guarantees, no roster pressure, and no downside if it doesn’t pan out.
And if it does? The Padres suddenly have a plug-and-play infielder who can step in and contribute - whether it’s at third base, first, or even as a designated hitter in the right matchup.
Preller Keeps Stacking Options
This move didn’t come in isolation. It followed a whirlwind 24 hours in which the Padres brought back Michael King on a three-year, $75 million deal, took a flier on former Guardians right-hander Triston McKenzie, and added Korean infielder Sung-mun Song to the mix. It’s a classic Preller stretch - stacking the deck with versatile, controllable pieces who could end up playing real roles if things break right.
Miranda fits that mold perfectly. He’s not being handed anything, but he doesn’t need to be. All he needs is a shot - and in San Diego, he’ll get one.
For the Padres, it’s another smart, low-cost swing at upside. And for Miranda, it’s a chance to remind everyone what he can do when the bat heats up.