With Spring Training just around the corner, the San Diego Padres are gearing up for what promises to be another unconventional start to the season in Peoria, Arizona. Once again, the World Baseball Classic is adding a twist to the spring schedule, and for several Padres players suiting up for their national teams, that means a split spring - part of it in camp, part of it on the international stage, and then a return to Peoria once their WBC runs wrap up.
This isn’t new territory for San Diego. The WBC has thrown a wrench into spring routines before, and the Padres have learned to adapt. But it does present a unique challenge: how do you build team chemistry and prepare for a 162-game grind when key pieces are in and out of camp?
Veteran infielder Jake Cronenworth, one of the longest-tenured Padres, offered a glimpse into how the team is handling it. According to Cronenworth, some players are planning to report to camp early - not just to get reps in, but to build some early-season camaraderie before the WBC crew heads off.
That kind of proactive approach speaks volumes about the mindset in the clubhouse. This team knows the stakes.
They know that a slow start or lack of cohesion can derail even the most talented rosters.
And make no mistake - the expectations in San Diego remain sky-high. The goal isn’t just to compete.
It’s to win a World Series. That’s been the bar since the Padres started making big swings in free agency and trades over the last few seasons.
But with a fractured spring and some lingering roster questions, there’s understandable concern among fans about whether this team is fully ready to make that leap.
Roster Watch: Will A.J. Preller Make a Move?
That brings us to general manager A.J. Preller - the man known in Padres circles as the “Rockstar GM.”
Preller has made a name for himself with bold moves and headline-grabbing deals, but lately, fans are wondering if he still has that magic touch. As Spring Training looms, there’s a growing sense that the Padres still need to shore up a few key areas - and the clock is ticking.
A recent fan survey shows a bit of a split in confidence: 49% of respondents believe Preller will make a move that significantly impacts the upcoming season before camp opens. That means over half of the fanbase isn’t so sure. For a front office that’s never shied away from aggressive roster building, that’s a telling stat.
The Padres’ to-do list isn’t short. According to reports, the next six weeks could bring everything from a new contract for Preller himself, to the addition of a fifth starter in the rotation, to something as seismic as a potential sale of the team. That’s a lot of uncertainty for a club that’s trying to stay focused on the field.
Around the Diamond: Baseball News You Should Know
Elsewhere in the baseball world, the Caribbean Series delivered a thriller, with Mexico Red edging out Mexico Green in a wild 12-11 championship game. It was the kind of back-and-forth contest that reminds us why the international game has such a passionate following - and why events like the WBC matter so much.
In sad news, the baseball community is mourning the loss of Terrance Gore, who passed away at just 34 years old. Gore wasn’t a household name, but he was a postseason weapon - a speedster who carved out a niche as a late-inning pinch-runner and base-stealing threat.
He earned World Series rings with the Royals, Dodgers, and Braves, and his blazing speed made him one of the most unique role players of the past decade. His impact on the game, though subtle, was undeniable.
Looking Ahead
So, as the Padres prepare to head to Peoria, there’s a lot to keep an eye on - from roster moves to WBC departures to the overall vibe in camp. This isn’t a team starting from scratch, but it is a team that needs to find its rhythm quickly.
The pieces are there. The question is whether they can come together in time to make 2026 the season San Diego finally breaks through.