Despite a key signing, holes remain. The Padres must bolster their bench with versatile talent to compete for a deep playoff run.
Right now, the San Diego Padres have had a somewhat lackluster free agency period.
The three-year, $75 million deal with Michigan King was a big step in the right direction, but losing Ryan O'Hearn as well as Dylan Cease and Luis Arraez leaves plenty of holes on the roster.
AJ Cassavell of MLB.com named four things the Padres still need, and third on his list is to "solidify the bench."
The good news is that the signing of Korean infielder Sung-Mun Song sure helped in that regard, but Cassavell still wishes to see some more bench pieces added to the fold.
"The Song signing went a long way toward accomplishing this goal. He played mostly third and second base in Korea. But during Song’s introductory news conference, Preller and manager Craig Stammen noted the possibility that he could play some outfield, as well. Essentially, the Padres envision playing Song all over the field, giving them all sorts of versatility. I still don’t think he’s starting on Opening Day. The lineup feels mostly set -- minus the opening at first base -- which means Song should fill a crucial bench role."
After that, the bench remains a bit up in the air, although catcher Luis Campusano should, finally, be able to see playing time with him being out of Minor League options.
Cassavell gave some more insight on what the bench could look like, at least with the way the roster stands currently.
"Maybe there’s a spring competition for the spot backing up Freddy Fermin. Maybe there’s room for three catchers. Either way, the Padres could use another backstop. Which leaves one or two more bench spots -- and Bryce Johnson, Will Wagner, Tirso Ornelas and Mason McCoy as the 40-man roster players vying for them."
Will Wagner figures to be a player the Padres use more in 2026 after they acquired him at the trade deadline, and Tirso Ornelas is a minor league player that should also get an opportunity in order for San Diego to see what he can do at the big-league level.
Of course, the philosophy will likely change a lot with Mike Shildt out and Craig Stammen in, so nobody knows how much Stammen will tinker with the lineup or move players around until the season begins.
Nonetheless, the Padres have plenty of work to do to put together a roster that can make a deep playoff run in 2026.