Padres rewarding GM A.J. Preller with extension

The San Diego Padres and president of baseball operations/general manager A. J. Preller stayed busy over the weekend, bolstering the roster with key depth pieces as they gear up to compete in the rugged National League West. 

The Padres signed outfielder Nick Castellanos and right-handers Griffin Canning and Germán Márquez — all veterans — to one-year deals, and on Monday news broke that the team and Preller have agreed to a multi-year extension (h/t: ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez). Preller’s contract was set to expire after this season, and with the Padres up for sale, an extension was uncertain if new ownership preferred to install its own leadership.

Preller has led the Padres’ baseball operations department since 2021, compiling a 7–12 postseason record. While that mark leaves room for improvement, it’s hardly the result of passivity. Preller is widely regarded as one of the game’s more aggressive and active executives when it comes to building a competitive roster. 

On Saturday, Preller received vocal support from Padres third baseman Manny Machado, who said Preller deserved an extension. 

The Padres are in a good position with GM A.J. Preller

Preller has proved to be one of the best executives in baseball, showing his willingness to spend on big-name players and make bold trades. In 2022, he acquired outfielder Juan Soto from the Washington Nationals and then traded him to the New York Yankees in December 2023.

Preller made one of the better trades last season, acquiring closer Mason Miller and starter JP Sears from the Athletics for a package of prospects.

With a solid roster entering the 2026 season — a deep rotation anchored by right-hander Michael King, a lineup powered by Machado and OF/SS Fernando Tatis Jr. and several key offseason additions — the Padres have the talent to win far more games than their 80.7-win PECOTA projection suggests.