The Padres’ outfield looks like the clearest place for a winter upgrade, and Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter sees them making a run at a proven one: former Cubs outfielder Ian Happ.
San Diego already has Jackson Merrill in center and Fernando Tatis Jr. in right, but left field has been a revolving door. Ramon Laureano has been sidelined since May with a torn labrum in his hip, and the Padres have already cycled through nine different starting left fielders this year. That kind of instability is exactly why Reuter believes Happ could make sense.
“With Ramon Laureano sidelined since May with a torn labrum in his hip, the Padres have used nine different starting left fielders this year,” Reuter writes. “Will that be reason enough for them to prioritize stability at the position? If so, veteran Ian Happ is a Gold Glove defender with 20-homer pop who could be a great fit.”
Happ would bring a different kind of balance to the lineup. Tatis is already elite, Merrill has bounced back into star form after a slight step back, and Happ would give San Diego both dependable defense and offense with some real punch.
In 2026 with the Cubs, Happ has posted 2.7 bWAR with 110 hits, 23 home runs, and a .219 batting average. His .737 OPS and 102 OPS+ show a solid all-around season, even if that OPS+ is tied for the lowest of his MLB career.
The Padres still have bigger roster needs. A.J.
Preller has to address the starting rotation, and the bullpen could use help too. But the outfield can’t be overlooked, especially if the new ownership group gives San Diego a little more room to spend.
If the Padres decide Happ is worth the investment, they’d be looking at a 32-year-old veteran who has won four Gold Gloves and is headed into free agency after the final year of his three-year, $61 million deal.
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