5 teams to watch closely during the 2022 MLB Winter Meetings
By Kevin Henry
Teams to watch closely during MLB Winter Meetings: San Diego Padres
After reportedly missing out on Jose Abreu, how will Padres general manager A.J. Preller improve his team in 2023? Yes, Fernando Tatis Jr. will be back after serving his 80-game PED suspension, and where he plays when he comes back (outfield or shortstop … or both) is still a question that will be answered eventually. However, there is more that will need to be done for the Padres to finally reach the World Series.
Dennis Lin of The Athletic has written that the Padres may be looking to add more depth than “star power” this offseason (subscription required), but Preller has always been known for making a big splash. Will that trend continue this winter? It’s highly likely, and don’t be surprised if Preller stuns the baseball world with a move during the MLB Winter Meetings.
San Diego is looking for help at first base and on the mound, but Preller is also reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing a high-caliber free agent shortstop like Xander Bogaerts to the Padres. Sure, it would take some shifting of the San Diego roster, but don’t put it past Preller to make a big move like that happen.