The San Diego Padres are still in a bit of a holding pattern as they wait for clarity on two intriguing free agent targets: Luis Arráez and Ryan O’Hearn. Both players offer affordable market value, but there's a catch - they’re reportedly seeking long-term deals.
And that’s where things get a little complicated for A.J. Preller and the Padres’ front office.
With four players already locked into contracts that stretch all the way to 2033, it’s understandable why Preller might be hesitant to add more long-term commitments to the books. Flexibility matters, especially for a team trying to retool on the fly while still aiming to contend.
That brings us to a name that should be on the Padres’ radar: Rhys Hoskins.
Why Rhys Hoskins Makes Sense for San Diego
Hoskins, now 32, is coming off a down year with the Milwaukee Brewers - at least by his standards. In 90 games, he posted a .237/.332/.416 slash line and launched 12 home runs. Not exactly eye-popping numbers, but when you factor in the limited playing time and the context of his season, there’s reason to believe there’s still some pop in that bat.
And here’s where it gets interesting: Hoskins is reportedly open to a one-year deal. That kind of short-term flexibility is exactly what the Padres need right now. It allows them to address first base without tying up future payroll - and more importantly, it leaves room to address their top offseason priority: starting pitching.
San Diego has roughly $80 million in available payroll space. That’s a decent chunk of change, but in today’s market, it disappears quickly - especially when you’re trying to rebuild a rotation. If Preller can land a power bat like Hoskins on a short-term deal, it opens the door to spend more aggressively on arms.
A Familiar Face - And a Former Foe
Padres fans will remember Hoskins from his time with the Phillies - particularly his performance in the 2022 NLCS, when he homered twice in Game 4 against San Diego. That version of Hoskins was a middle-of-the-order force, and while he hasn’t quite replicated that production in Milwaukee, the potential is still there.
A change of scenery might be exactly what he needs. After two quieter years in the NL Central, a move to Petco Park could give him a fresh start - and a chance to prove he’s still capable of 25-30 home run power. For the Padres, it’s a low-risk, high-upside play that fits their current roster puzzle.
Preller’s Balancing Act
This winter is shaping up to be one of the more pivotal offseasons of Preller’s tenure. With the roster in transition and key holes to fill, every dollar counts. That’s why a move for Hoskins - the kind of affordable, short-term bat who can still make an impact - could be the right play at the right time.
If the Padres are going to stretch their payroll to cover high-priority needs like starting pitching, they’ll need to find value elsewhere. Hoskins checks that box. He’s a proven power hitter, he won’t break the bank, and he’s looking for an opportunity to bounce back.
In a market where long-term deals are flying off the shelves, the Padres might just benefit by zigging when others zag - and signing a former rival who could help them stay in the hunt while keeping their long-term flexibility intact.