In the ever-evolving world of MLB roster building, there are two schools of thought when it comes to prospects: either you see them as the future, or you see them as currency. A.J. Preller, the San Diego Padres’ President of Baseball Operations and General Manager, has made it abundantly clear which side he’s on.
Preller has long operated like a high-stakes trader on the MLB floor-stockpiling young talent only to flip it when the right deal comes along. His latest move at the 2025 trade deadline was textbook Preller: sending highly regarded shortstop prospect Leodalis De Vries to Oakland in exchange for big-league arms Mason Miller and JP Sears. It was a win-now move, no doubt, and one that fits squarely into his pattern of using the farm system as a means to an end rather than the end itself.
And yet, despite the constant churn, the Padres’ farm system still has some intriguing names. Baseball America recently dropped their top 10 list of San Diego prospects, a reminder that even after years of aggressive dealing, there’s still talent worth keeping an eye on. That’s no small feat considering how many times Preller has gone to the well.
As the offseason heats up, the Padres front office is heading to Orlando for the Winter Meetings, and all eyes are on what Preller has up his sleeve next. According to reports, the Padres are expected to be active-no surprise there. Whether it’s adding to the rotation, shoring up the bullpen, or making a splash with a bat, San Diego is very much in the mix on multiple fronts.
Internally, there’s also a renewed focus on the infield depth in the minors. After breaking down the catching prospects earlier this offseason, attention has now shifted to the infielders in the system.
The big question? Will any of these players actually suit up in a Padres uniform, or are they just the next wave of trade chips in Preller’s ongoing roster reshuffle?
Time will tell, but history suggests we shouldn’t get too attached.
Around the league, the hot stove is officially burning.
The Toronto Blue Jays made the first major splash of free agency, locking in Dylan Cease to anchor their rotation. But they didn’t stop there-Toronto also added right-hander Cody Ponce on a three-year deal, doubling down on their pitching depth in a clear signal that they’re pushing to contend.
For the Padres, one potential rotation target is now off the board. Alek Manoah has agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels, taking another arm off the free-agent market. Manoah’s recent struggles made him a bit of a buy-low candidate, and the Angels are betting on a bounce-back.
Meanwhile, the Houston Astros took a swing of their own, signing Ryan Weiss out of the KBO. Transitioning from Korea to MLB is always a question mark, but Weiss impressed enough overseas to earn his shot. The Astros have had success with international pitching imports before, and they’re hoping Weiss follows suit.
So, as the baseball world shifts into offseason mode, the Padres find themselves at a familiar crossroads. With a GM who’s never shy about pulling the trigger and a farm system that somehow keeps restocking despite the trades, San Diego remains one of the most unpredictable teams in the league. And with Winter Meetings just around the corner, buckle up-Preller season is officially underway.