Padres Face Key Offseason Decisions After 2024 NLDS Exit

Another decision revolves around Ha-Seong Kim, the Padres’ defensive wizard and former Gold Glove winner. Kim, 29, has been a cornerstone of San Diego’s infield, prompting the team to shift Xander Bogaerts to second base to accommodate him. While Kim’s defense is top-tier, his offensive contributions have been less impactful, and a season-ending injury has clouded his future. Whether Preller will offer Kim the contract he’s expected to command in free agency is uncertain, but the Padres might have seen the last of Kim. The team also has decisions to make about other key players like lights-out reliever Tanner Scott and utility journeyman Donovan Solano.

A New Table-Setter?

Luis Arráez is another intriguing player to watch this offseason. The three-time batting champion made history by winning titles with three different teams and even spoiled Shohei Ohtani’s triple crown bid. Since joining the Padres, Arráez slashed .318/.346/.398 with 159 hits and just 18 strikeouts, a testament to his rare contact-hitting ability. His skill set, reminiscent of a modern-day Rod Carew or Tony Gwynn, fit the Padres’ 2024 philosophy of putting the ball in play and grinding out at-bats.

However, determining Arráez’s long-term value is tricky. Though he is elite at making contact, his lack of power raises questions about his ceiling. Preller must decide if Arráez is worth investing in for the long haul or if he could become trade bait (yet again) in what could be a busy offseason.

Rotation Outlook

San Diego’s pitching staff was a bright spot this season, finishing fifth in the NL in starter ERA (3.91). That success came despite key injuries to Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove. Michael King and Dylan Cease stepped up, but with Musgrove slated to miss all of 2025 due to Tommy John surgery, the Padres will need to bolster their rotation.

One potential solution could be bringing back former Cy Young winner Blake Snell, who is expected to opt out of his deal with the San Francisco Giants. Snell has hinted at a desire to return to San Diego, and a reunion could be beneficial for both sides—if the price is right.

Another option is Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki. If posted this offseason, Sasaki is sure to be one of the hottest free-agent targets. Though the Padres have missed out on Japanese stars in the past, notably Shohei Ohtani, signing Sasaki could be the move that changes their fortunes and solidifies their rotation. Snell and Sasaki would require hefty contracts, which may prompt the Padres to turn to more financially flexible free-agent options or look internally to fill out the back end of their rotation. Young arms like Bradgely Rodriguez, Francis Pena, Braden Nett, and Omar Cruz could potentially be given a chance to earn spots in Spring Training.

Behind The Dish

Another area the Padres will need to focus on is behind the plate. While Kyle Higashioka provided somewhat solid offense production (.220/.263/.476, 17 HR, 45 RBI, 101 OPS+) to go along with his below-average defense, the team could benefit from a stronger offensive presence in a platoon role. Former top prospect Luis Campusano, who once seemed poised to be the Padres’ catcher of the future, has struggled. Given his inconsistency and lack of progress, it’s possible he may not get significant playing time again with the Padres.

To maximize production from the catcher position, General Manager A.J. Preller could explore the free-agent or trade market for a power-hitting catcher to pair with Higashioka. Elias Díaz, whom the Padres picked up in August after his release from the Rockies, could also be an option to be given another chance next season. Díaz offers veteran experience but had very little playing time in his brief time with San Diego, so it’s unclear if he provides enough to be a long-term solution.

“Crone Zone” Concerns

Additionally, the Padres face a significant issue at first base. Jake Cronenworth, a fan favorite for his versatility and grit, has struggled mightily at the plate. His .241/.324/.390 slash line with 17 home runs and a 99 OPS+ left much to be desired. Despite ranking fourth on the team this year with 83 RBI, his overall regression is a major concern. First base is typically a power position. The Padres cannot afford to continue fielding a player with minimal offensive production in such a critical spot. It’s one of the main reasons the team decided to move on from Eric Hosmer. The team is stuck in a similar position. 

Cronenworth has a hefty contract that will be hard to move. Preller will likely be on the lookout for a slugging first baseman this offseason. A player who can provide the kind of pop Cronenworth has failed to deliver. 

One Year Soon…

This season, the Padres wore a heart-shaped patch on their jerseys bearing the initials of their late owner, Peter Seidler, who passed away in November 2023. The team dedicated their season to him, rallying around the phrase “Compete for Pete.” Although their journey ended abruptly, Seidler would have been proud of their progress. The Padres secured their first 90-win season since 2010. Their first such achievement in the Preller era. They delivered the best regular season run in franchise history. Powering through a scorching second half. Also, in his first year at the helm, manager Mike Shildt proved to be capable of galvanizing the clubhouse, and his presence added a much-needed reset after a massively disappointing 2023 campaign under Bob Melvin.

While some fans believed 2024 might have been the franchise’s best shot at a championship, the Padres window remains open. Veterans like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. are still in their prime, and the emergence of potential NL Rookie of the Year Jackson Merrill has injected fresh energy into the team. Merrill’s historic rookie season and natural leadership have fueled “Merrill Madness”. Positioning him to become the future anchor of the Padres sooner than expected.

In the spring of 2023, Seidler confidently predicted a bright future for the team. He said, “One year soon, the baseball gods will smile on the San Diego Padres, and we will have a parade.” While 2024 won’t see that parade, it feels like only a matter of time before the Padres finally break through. The Friar Faithful are holding on to that hope.