MLB Hot Stove: San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres entered the 2015 season with high expectations after new GM AJ Preller acquired some big name (outfielder Matt Kemp, outfielder Justin Upton and pitcher James Shields) talent. The flurry of trades and key free agent signings brought plenty of excitement to town, but none of the moves improved the team’s overall record from the prior year. Plenty reasons for the Padres struggles, but the main one was a lack of chemistry on the field.

The reconstruction of the roster has already begun this winter, as Preller is firmly committed to building a contending team. The Padres immediate goal is to get 10-12 wins better from than their (74-88) record from last season.

He has already dealt away two main pieces (Joaquin Benoit and Craig Kimbrel) of his bullpen to replenish a dried-up minor league system. Preller understood he had a great 1-2 punch to close out games, but their salaries took too much space on the payroll, especially when the Padres need to allocate those resources elsewhere to improve the overall look to the roster.

San Diego fans can expect other moves to be made this offseason, but the National League West is a very competitive division that will call for the Padres to leapfrog over the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants if they plan to get into playoff contention.

Preller must stay true to his rebuilding plan while trying to make the right acquisitions and enter the chase for a divisional crown.

Let’s take a look at the other options available to the Padres this offseason.

Next: Desmond top SS option