While the San Diego Padres are expected to be active this offseason, especially in MLB free agency, the organization may end up going with a more modest approach this winter for one major reason.
In 2022, the Padres showed that they are all in when it comes to reaching, and hopefully winning, the World Series in the next couple of seasons. Their trade for superstar outfielder Juan Soto at the MLB trade deadline was a bold move that made them a contender immediately, and it showed in them reaching the National Championship Series.
With Fernando Tatis Jr. returning from his suspension in April, the team is expected to be formidable again next season. However, that does not mean they are resting on their laurels and won’t try and improve the roster. The team has been linked to a few free agents so far this offseason, including Boston Red Sox All-Star Xander Bogaerts.
Also read: Top MLB free agents of 2023 – Top 45 MLB free agency rankings
However, there is a problem the team will have if they try and sign many top MLB free agents. It’s a problem that may force the organization instead to make mid and smaller level signings.
San Diego Padres could avoid major MLB free agency moves to hold on to draft picks
Before MLB free agency began, many organizations exercised their right to extend qualifying offers to many of their impending free agents. Two players accepted those offers, however, the rest declined. That includes Xander Bogaerts, Nathan Eovaldi, Chris Bassitt, Trea Turner, Carlos Rodon, Jacob deGrom, and Dansby Swanson.
Any teams who sign these aforementioned stars will have to give up some solid draft compensation to their former teams. On Wednesday, The Athletic’s MLB insider Ken Rosenthal explained why that could be problematic for the San Diego Padres.
“The Padres, after exceeding the luxury-tax threshold last season, would forfeit a second- and fifth-round pick, as well as $1 million from their international signing bonus pool for signing a free agent who rejected a qualifying offer. Such a penalty would be especially painful for a San Diego team that depleted its farm system at the deadline with trades for Juan Soto, Josh Bell, Josh Hader, and Brandon Drury.”
– Report on Padres free agency aggression level
In the Soto trade alone, the Padres gave up five of their best prospects. There is a real chance they may have a two-year window to try and win a World Series and that is it, so the San Diego Padres must be careful going forward that this short run at a title doesn’t send them into another decade or more of losing seasons.
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