The San Diego Padres President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller acknowledged on the final day of MLB’s Winter Meetings that he wished to get clarification of the beginning rotation “sooner rather than later.” That was Dec. 10. During the press convention on Friday, Dec. 19, saying the signing of returning right-handed starter Michael King to a three-year deal, King mentioned the discussions with Preller obtained severe “about 10 days ago.” That was when Preller requested supervisor Craig Stammen and pitching coach Ruben Niebla to textual content King, asking about his willingness to return again to the Padres.
While Preller was in Orlando discussing the commerce market and the Padres’ want for beginning pitching, he and the remainder of the workers have been working behind the scenes to carry King again into the fold. But that wasn’t the one participant Preller was working to signal within the 10 days for the reason that finish of the winter conferences.
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Sung-Mun Song signing
Although not an official deal but, Preller has apparently landed Korean infielder Sung-Mun Song to a three-year deal for a reported $13 million. Considered a high worldwide free agent from Korea, Song has primarily been a third baseman however has additionally performed second and first base for the Kiwoom Heroes. Although some evaluators consider him as a utility player with offensive upside, the transition to the MLB from the KBO may be a battle for some hitters as a result of velocity and motion MLB pitchers make use of towards hitters. If Song could make that transition, his upside is important, and he might turn into a candidate for the primary base job.
The finish of his window for a dedication to an MLB staff is Dec. 21. The Padres might want to formally commit by then or he returns again to the Heroes. If the deal turns into official, the group will owe his Korean staff a posting payment of 20 % of his contract quantity as much as $25 million.
Triston McKenzie signing
An under-the-radar signing occurred this previous week when Preller signed RHP Triston McKenzie to a minor league contract. McKenzie can be receiving an invitation to Spring Training along with his deal. Coming from a lengthy stint within the Guardians group, the place he labored with former Guardians and present Padres pitching coach Ruben Niebla, McKenzie has a noticed historical past however important upside.
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He posted a 2.92 ERA over 30 begins in 2022 for the Guardians however then developed elbow and shoulder accidents and hasn’t been the identical participant since. He had a 11.12 ERA in 4 big-league appearances final season and wasn’t any higher within the Dominican Winter League with 11.2 innings pitched and a 5.40 ERA. A reunion with Niebla could possibly be precisely what the physician ordered, and the Padres are taking a low-risk and high-reward gamble.
“Those are always intriguing players – somebody that’s coming back from injuries, has something to prove,” mentioned common supervisor A.J. Preller, talking at Friday’s press convention to announce the signing of King. “In a different organization, maybe we can unlock something there. But he’s always been a super talented guy.”
At 6-5 and 164 kilos, the 28-year-old McKenzie gives potential back end of the rotation upside or rotation depth. If he and the Padres pitching coaches can straighten out his points, he could possibly be the sort of mission that the group has excelled at up to now.
Coaching workers introduced
The Padres made Craig Stammen’s coaching staff official and former bench coach Brian Esposito will likely be reassigned inside the group however won’t be a a part of the main league workers. They additionally introduced additional additions apart from what had already been reported and these embody former Triple-A hitting coach Raul Padron because the hitting teacher to spherical out a four-person hitting workers. They even have designated Vinny Lopez as outfield and base working teacher, which can be a part of first base coach Dave Macias’ job.
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Despite some obvious repetition of job titles and roles, Stammen’s workers seems to be a staff method to instruction and managing. This displays his personal statements after his hiring. He acknowledged that he’ll make use of extra skilled personnel round him to verify all of the wants of the staff are lined.
Minor league signings
The Padres re-signed RHP Omar Cruz to a minor league contract. The 26-year-old had been a part of the main league roster final season however was waived on the finish of the 12 months. The signing permits him to stay with the group and will contain a Spring Training invite in addition to offering wanted pitching depth.
RHP Justin Yeager was signed to a minor league deal. Yeager is a reliever previously with the Brewers group and is 27 years previous. He performed on the finish of 2025 on the Triple-AAA degree.
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RHP Albieris Polanco was signed to a minor league deal. The 19-year-old is a global free agent from the Dominican Republic.
Catcher Blake Hunt was re-signed by the Padres to a minor league contract. Hunt was drafted by the Padres in 2017 as a second rounder. He was a part of the deal for Blake Snell and since 2021 has bounced round with a number of organizations, changing into a free agent in November of this 12 months and signing with the Padres on Dec. 16.
RHP Nathanael Jacinto signed a minor league deal on Dec. 12. The 20-year-old Dominican Republic native was a global free agent.
Mason Miller named to Team USA
Padres reliever and presumed nearer, Mason Miller, was named to Team USA for the WBC match. He turns into the primary Padre named to the USA staff and follows Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Xander Bogaerts as Padres leaving the staff throughout Spring Training to compete within the WBC. It will likely be his first alternative to pitch for Team USA and he joins a loaded USA team.