The Padres kick off Spring Training with a flurry of moves and fresh headlines
The San Diego Padres started their 2026 Spring Training on a high note, reporting smooth, healthy returns from pitchers, catchers, and multiple position players who either came in early or on time. With no injuries in sight, the early vibes were positive as the team reconnected after months apart.
A.J. Preller, the president of baseball operations, held his customary first-day media session. He reiterated the club’s intent to add at least one or two more hitters and another starting pitcher to deepen the roster.
New skipper Craig Stammen spoke about building a culture centered on open communication and strong relationships. He wasted no time naming Luis Campusano as the second catcher behind Freddy Fermin and indicated that newly acquired hitter Miguel Andújar would split time at first base alongside utility player Sung‑Mun Song.
On the mound, Kyle Hart will start as a pitcher, at least initially. Other pitchers won’t be stretched out as starters at the outset.
Song’s versatility saw him getting first-base and outfield opportunities, but the club still faced gaps: a true platoon partner for Gavin Sheets at first base and additional rotation options.
Stammen labeled Nick Pivetta, Joe Musgrove, and Michael King as locks for the starting staff. Randy Vásquez remained the leading option for the fourth spot, with JP Sears, Matt Waldron, Marco Gonzales, Kyle Hart, and Triston McKenzie in the mix for the remaining openings, including the fifth starter slot.
The manager backed his players while acknowledging Preller’s ongoing activity, hinting that further acquisitions could come at any moment.
Surprise signings emerged just before camp began. On the eve of the first official workouts, San Diego reportedly added outfielder/ designated hitter/ first baseman Nick Castellanos on a one-year, league-minimum contract of $780,000 after his Phillies release. Castellanos had been preparing to shift to first base this offseason.
Shortly after, word spread of another potential addition: right-hander Griffin Canning reportedly inked a one-year deal as a back-end rotation candidate. He’s coming back from an Achilles injury and surgery with the Mets, with optimism about a season-opening return.
Another signing followed. Right-hander German Márquez agreed to a one-year pact. Márquez, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023 and dealt with subsequent setbacks, is looking to recapture the dependable late-rotation form he showed earlier in his Colorado tenure.
In all, the Padres added two hitters and two pitchers, strengthening depth across the roster. With Andújar occupying one of the 40-man spots, the club will need to maneuver a few roster moves to finalize everyone’s status.
Minor league updates
- Outfielder Jake Cunningham, 23, signed a minor league deal and is headed for either Fort Wayne or San Antonio this season.
- First baseman/designated hitter Leandro Cedeño, 27, who starred in the Venezuelan winter league and chose a Padres minor league contract over Mexico, spent the last three seasons in NPB.
- Right-hander Daichi Moriki, 22, joined on a minor league agreement from NPB. His four-year stretch includes a 6.87 ERA and issues with command.
International talks
The Padres reached a pre-agreement for the 2027 International class with RHP Yoel King, 16, from the Dominican Republic. Seen as the top pitcher in his class, he’ll receive the class’ largest bonus and already reportedly touches 100 mph.
World Baseball Classic (WBC) updates
Padres reliever Alek Jacob earned a spot with Team Israel for the WBC and will depart camp when the rest depart on March 1. Core Padres stars Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Xander Bogaerts are also slated to leave, along with relievers Mason Miller, Wandy Peralta, and Yuki Matsui joining their WBC teams.
A few Padres minor leaguers—Victor Lizarraga and Omar Cruz—will join Team Mexico as WBC reserves.
Yu Darvish shared on social media that he’ll serve as an advisor for Samurai Japan during the WBC. While he plans to rejoin Padres spring camp later, his current focus is aiding Japan in the tournament. Reports continue to surface that he may depart from his Padres contract after the agreement details are settled, though nothing is finalized.
Talent spotlight
Industry rankings highlighted several Padres talents. MLB Network named Miller, Morejón, and Adam among the league’s top 10 relievers. Manny Machado ranked No. 5 at third base, Fernando Tatis Jr. No. 6 in right field, and Jackson Merrill No. 5 at center field in fan polls—surpassing the network’s own rankings.
Jhonny Brito progress
Craig Stammen gave a Saturday morning update on Jhonny Brito’s recovery from Tommy John surgery. Brito is throwing from a mound with no setbacks, but is unlikely to be available before mid-season, and perhaps later.
MLB media landscape
Unverified reports suggest the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings have begun formalizing MLB media partnerships, with the Tigers moving to MLB coverage this season. The Red Wings’ remaining season on the FanDuel Sports Network will transition to MLB starting in 2026–2027. If these shifts hold, MLB could be broadcasting for 14–16 teams in the upcoming season.
Impact and questions
- The Padres are betting on high-upside depth with Castellanos and Márquez while retooling their batting order around Andújar and Song.
- Canning’s return from injury and Márquez’s late-career resurgence could stabilize a volatile backend of the rotation, but will they tick up enough to challenge the Dodgers and Padres’ own strong stacks?
- The WBC absences and Darvish’s anticipated move raise questions about how international play affects regular-season readiness and team chemistry.
What do you think
Which of these moves excites you most, and do you see the late-in Spring Training signings shifting the Padres into a stronger competitive stance for the season? Do you agree that the strategic emphasis on versatile depth over a single big splash was the right call for 2026? Share your thoughts below.
