The San Diego Padres offseason can be described as them taking a step back from how they've operated in previous years. The front office has focused on shedding salary this winter rather than being aggressive at the front of the free agency market.
It has seen them lose multiple pieces from their 2023 squad, leading to the fanbase losing some confidence in the team. The Padres even traded away star outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Yankees, receiving a haul of young pitching arms in the process.
However, with the new season coming up soon, the Padres are still looking around the league for help. Padres president of baseball operations, A.J. Preller, gave some thoughts on what else the team is looking to do.
"Asked to assess the team's needs, Preller put outfield at the top of the list. But he's exploring all avenues."
San Diego could use more outfield help, with rumors swirling about them speaking with the Boston Red Sox for Jarren Duran. So far, no trade has come about, but that isn't to say it never will.
The Padres could also look to make some upgrades within the pitching staff. They have two solid options at the top in Joe Musgrove and Yu Darvish, but after that, they are fairly inexperienced.
The Padres have made it clear that they think highly of their in-house starting-pitching options. But... do they think highly enough to enter the season with a rotation that features Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, Michael King and a whole bunch of question marks?
They have two solid options at the top in Joe Musgrove and Yu Darvish, but after that, they are fairly inexperienced.
"We like what we have in camp," Preller said. "But we're always open. You can never have enough starting pitching. It's not just an adage; it's the truth. ... You're always looking to add."
San Diego is always looking to find different ways to upgrade, with Preller being at the forefront. If they feel a move will help them improve, they won't hesitate to pull the trigger.
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