A.J. Preller Optimistic on Extension, Prioritizing Padres Rotation Depth

This blog post breaks down Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller’s latest comments from team camp and Cactus League Media Day. We’ll focus on his contract status, the team’s roster-building priorities for Opening Day, and how San Diego is juggling a championship chase with ongoing negotiations.

Contract status and leadership outlook

A.J. Preller is heading into the final season of his deal. He seemed optimistic that an extension might get hammered out soon, but he didn’t tie himself to a deadline.

Since he took over in August 2014, Preller has overseen the most successful stretch in Padres history. Four postseason appearances in six years? That’s a big shift, and he’s helped lay the groundwork for more competitive seasons ahead.

He talked about his love for San Diego and how much he wants to bring a championship to the city. The contract talks are ongoing, but he’s still focused on the job in front of him.

• Extension discussions are ongoing, with no firm deadline set.
• Leadership continuity remains a priority as San Diego pursues a title window.
• Preller emphasizes finishing the job and delivering a championship to Padres fans.

Roster construction: pitching depth and bench additions

With Opening Day getting closer, the Padres are building their roster carefully instead of making dramatic changes. They want to add rotation depth—specifically, another starting pitcher to go with Nick Pivetta, Joe Musgrove, and Michael King.

Yu Darvish is out for the season, so those innings have to come from somewhere. Preller also mentioned they’re looking for at least one more bench piece, someone who can slot in as needed and help keep the lineup flexible.

Starting pitcher targets and rotation plans

Preller made it clear: they want to upgrade the starting depth without messing with the core. The Padres are after a reliable arm to back up the current rotation, save some innings, and ease the load on their top pitchers.

It’s about keeping things steady through the middle and late innings, and having options for rest days or different matchups.

Offense and bench depth: balancing the lineup

On offense, the Padres are searching for a bench bat who can fill multiple roles. They want someone who fits in day to day, whether that’s pinch-hitting or covering different spots in the lineup.

As for catcher, Preller said he’d rather stick with the current group than add another catcher who might not really move the needle on defense or offense.

Campusano’s role and catcher considerations

Luis Campusano, who’s out of minor-league options and had a solid year in Triple-A, looks set to back up Freddie Fermín. He probably won’t be a regular pinch-hitter or DH.

This fits the overall plan: build depth where it matters, and get the most out of the catching group’s strengths. Campusano’s path lines up with what the Padres want—every move gets weighed against the bigger goal of keeping the team competitive, year in and year out.

Championship focus amid ongoing negotiations

The Padres are locking in their Opening Day roster. Right now, the focus is on putting a winning team on the field, even as negotiations with Preller roll on in the background.

Preller keeps saying he’s committed to San Diego. He wants to deliver a championship, and honestly, it sounds like the franchise would rather make smart, measured upgrades than go wild with changes.

The pitching staff looks stronger this year. The bench has some flexibility, and Campusano seems set for a real role.

San Diego has a shot to make some noise in a tough NL. People will keep talking about Preller’s extension, but for now, it’s all about squeezing the most out of this roster and chasing something big for Padres fans.

 
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