The San Diego Padres are taking decisive steps this offseason to strengthen both their organizational depth and on-field lineup as they look toward 2026. With a focus on player development and strategic acquisitions, the Padres are turning to familiar faces while continuing their search for mid-tier offensive talent.
Former All-Star Will Myers is returning to the organization as a special assignment coach in player development. Myers, a 11-year MLB veteran, brings first-hand experience in nurturing young talent. Drafted as the No. 1 prospect by the Tampa Bay Rays and named American League Rookie of the Year in 2013, Myers’ career included an All-Star selection in 2016, a 30-home run season in 2017, and postseason appearances with the Padres in 2020 and 2022. His journey from top prospect to seasoned veteran makes him uniquely equipped to guide San Diego’s young players through the challenges of professional baseball.
Joining the front office as an adviser to baseball operations is Bud Black, the 2010 National League Manager of the Year. Black, who previously managed the Padres for 8½ seasons, brings a wealth of strategic insight despite a lack of postseason success with the club. Known for his ability to maximize resources and get the most from limited rosters, Black’s experience will be vital for general manager A.J. Preller, who faces financial constraints while trying to improve the team’s depth.
The Padres are also actively pursuing a right-handed platoon bat to supplement their offensive lineup, which has lost depth due to free agency and offseason departures. Key players such as 2025 All-Star Ryan O’Hearn, contact specialist Luis Arraez, and bench contributors Jose Iglesias, Elias Díaz, and Tyler Wade are no longer available, leaving gaps in the roster. The recent signing of KBO star Sung-Mun Song will provide some support, but additional acquisitions are needed to balance the lineup.
Among the potential targets, future Hall of Famer Paul Goldschmidt remains an offseason priority. Despite advancing years, Goldschmidt demonstrated in 2025 with the Yankees that he can still excel against left-handed pitching, posting a .336 average and 169 wRC+ against southpaws in 168 plate appearances. Other options include Justin Turner, a left-handed specialist with consistent production, and Rhys Hoskins, who offers playoff experience and a career wRC+ above 100. These additions would allow new head coach Craig Stammen greater late-game flexibility and reinforce the bench alongside left-handed slugger Gavin Sheets, whose 2025 performance included 19 home runs, 71 RBIs, and a .453 slugging percentage against right-handed pitching.
With the combination of Myers’ development expertise, Black’s strategic acumen, and Preller’s active pursuit of offensive reinforcements, the Padres are positioning themselves to improve organizational depth and strengthen a lineup in need of balance. Fans can expect a busy offseason as the team works to maximize its resources ahead of the 2026 campaign.
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