Padres Signings 2026: Breaking Down Spring Training Additions

The following piece breaks down A.J. Preller’s latest move to extend his role with the Padres. It also highlights five notable players San Diego just added to its 2026 spring roster, and how those moves shape the team’s rotation, depth, and future.

San Diego spent three days signing and extending key figures. That flurry signaled a clear vision: keep the Padres competitive through the next wave of spring training and into 2026.

Front Office stability and a bold 2026 spring roster

San Diego’s front office is set with A.J. Preller after finalizing his extension. He’ll keep running baseball operations and shaping the club’s talent pipeline.

Alongside the managerial and scouting framework, the Padres brought in five notable players for spring. It’s a mix of upside, comeback stories, and strategic flexibility for all sorts of roles.

The business side pairs with on-field moves aimed at boosting depth and ceiling. The club wants to weather injuries and underperformances, but also stay ready for trades or tweaks as the season unfolds.

Now, let’s break down each newcomer and what they might mean for the Padres’ 2026 plans.

Nick Castellanos: a potential bargain, with a positional pivot

Nick Castellanos arrives with a reputation for quality at-bats and a track record as a run producer. The plan, at least for now, is for Castellanos to shift to first base—though he’s never played there in the majors.

San Diego will pick up most of his $20 million salary from the Phillies.

Key considerations include:

• First-base transition as a strategic flexibility move, not a locked-in defensive anchor.
• Projected plate appearances likely below 550, with outfield competition from Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ramón Laureano.
• Potential for Castellanos to deliver value in a platoon-friendly or role-specific capacity if his bat stays hot.

Griffin Canning: depth with a high upside coming off injury

Griffin Canning joins after returning from a torn left Achilles and posting a 3.77 ERA in 16 starts for the Mets in 2025. He expects to open the season on the injured list, but says he feels strong and could be back by late April or May.

The Padres see him as a buy-low depth option who might relaunch as a mid-rotation piece if his health holds up.

Germán Márquez: a change-of-scenery candidate with upside

Germán Márquez had a rough 2025 (6.70 ERA) after being a steady regular before. In San Diego, Márquez gets a shot as a reclamation project in a friendlier environment—one that values pitchability and sequencing, with a lighter workload.

If he bounces back, Márquez could help out in the back of the rotation or offer flexibility in long relief.

Walker Buehler: a buy-low arm with late-season upside

Walker Buehler signed on a Minor League deal as a classic buy-low arm. He struggled post–Tommy John, but posted a 2.53 ERA over his final seven outings in 2025.

If he regains confidence in his velocity and command, Buehler could make a late-season impact. His presence adds dynamic depth and insurance for short-term injuries.

Rotation depth: top trio and open competitions

The Padres’ rotation identifies Nick Pivetta, Joe Musgrove, and Michael King as the top three. That’s a strong core, honestly.

The last two spots are wide open, with Randy Vásquez reportedly having an “inside track.” Beyond that, a handful of arms are in the mix: Walker Buehler, Márquez, Marco Gonzales, Triston McKenzie, JP Sears, and Matt Waldron.

This depth matters, especially with recent injury histories. It lets the Padres handle a tough schedule and midseason attrition without giving up their edge in the standings.

With Vásquez in position and the rest of the group in flux, San Diego can experiment. They’ll try different matchups, innings limits, and bullpen support to get the most out of the staff.

A mix of established arms and high-upside options gives them a real shot at a sustainable rotation. The group can adapt to coaching tweaks and whatever the opposition throws at them.

Ty France: veteran versatility with Gold Glove defense

Ty France is back with the organization on a Minor League deal. He brings Gold Glove defense and real versatility at first and second base.

His offensive numbers have slipped a bit, sure, but you can’t ignore his defensive value and ability to play multiple spots. That kind of flexibility gives him a real shot at a bench job or as a late-inning substitution.

France’s presence adds to the Padres’ depth. It also gives them more options as they figure out spring training and the season’s early weeks.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Breaking down the Padres’ whirlwind week of signings