The San Diego Padres are making quiet but calculated moves as spring training looms, and their latest additions reflect a front office that’s looking for upside without breaking the bank.
First up: Nick Castellanos. The 13-year veteran and former All-Star is heading to San Diego on a league-minimum deal, a striking contrast to the $20 million he was set to earn before the Phillies released him. Philadelphia will still be paying the bulk of that salary-$19.22 million in 2026-so the Padres are essentially getting a seasoned bat for pennies on the dollar.
What exactly are the Padres getting in Castellanos? At 33, he’s not the same hitter who once lit up the stat sheet in Cincinnati, but there’s still some pop in the bat.
Last season, he hit 17 home runs and drove in 72 runs over 142 games, though his .694 OPS showed signs of decline. That said, it’s worth remembering his 2024 campaign, when he put together a 23-homer, 86-RBI season while playing all 162 games.
He posted a 104 wRC+ that year-right around league average offensively-so there’s reason to believe he can still contribute in the right role.
The Padres plan to use Castellanos primarily at first base, but his versatility will be an asset. He’ll also see time in the outfield and at designated hitter, giving San Diego some flexibility as they shape their lineup.
Of course, Castellanos’ time in Philadelphia ended on a sour note. He was benched last June after bringing a beer into the dugout following a defensive substitution. While that incident raised eyebrows, it doesn’t seem to have scared off the Padres, who are betting on a change of scenery and a fresh start to bring out the best in the veteran slugger.
But Castellanos isn’t the only new face in camp.
San Diego also reached a deal with right-hander Griffin Canning, who’s looking to bounce back from an Achilles injury that cut his 2025 season short. Before going down in late June, Canning put together a solid stretch with the Mets, posting a 3.77 ERA and 8.3 strikeouts per nine innings across 76 1/3 frames over 16 starts.
At 29, Canning is entering what should be his prime, and if he’s healthy, he’ll be in the mix for a rotation spot this spring. He’s shown flashes of being a mid-rotation arm in the past, and his ability to miss bats gives him an edge in a Padres rotation that could use some depth.
For a Padres team retooling on the fly, these are the kinds of moves that could quietly pay off. Castellanos brings veteran presence and offensive potential at a bargain price, while Canning offers upside on the mound if he can stay off the injured list. Neither signing will dominate headlines, but in a long season, it’s often the under-the-radar additions that make the difference.