AJ Preller’s Crossroads: The Future of the Padres
In the vibrant city of San Diego, few people have been as polarizing as A.J. Preller, the San Diego Padres’ President of Baseball Operations. Whether you love him or hate him, there’s no denying that Preller has made baseball in San Diego an exciting experience over the last decade. The results haven’t always been great, with just two playoff appearances and six managers since 2014, but Preller has made it interesting.
With a number of bold and flashy moves, Preller brought in star power like Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts and Juan Soto, putting San Diego baseball back on the map.
Preller’s big-time spending brought excitement to America’s Finest City and long-suffering fans who have come out in droves to support their Padres.
The team drew more than three million to Petco Park in 2023, second only to the LA Dodgers in the National League.
However, as the 2024 season approaches its midway point, the Padres and A.J. Preller find themselves at a crossroads.
The ’23 season was difficult, with the team a major disappointment, missing the playoffs. Yet, the biggest loss came off the field with the death of beloved owner Peter Seidler.
Are the free-spending days over?
In Seidler, Preller lost his biggest supporter, who allowed Preller to think big, going toe to toe with the Dodgers. Currently, the Padres have five players with contracts of at least 100 million dollars.
Many around baseball have questioned the sustainability of this strategy in small market San Diego.
Peter Seidler’s Dream
Not Peter Seidler. He dreamed of building a winner in San Diego to rival their northern neighbors. Ironically, Seidler’s grandfather, Walter O’Malley, and the O’Malley family owned the Dodgers for nearly 50 years.
And Seidler put his money where his mouth was, giving Preller the green light to go after the big fish, creating an all star cast.
And it worked to perfection! In 2022, the Padres knocked off the Dodgers in the playoffs, reaching the National League Championship Series and giving the city a glimpse of a bright future ahead.
Now, it feels like a distant memory.
Stars Leave Town
There were deep payroll cuts over the offseason.
The Padres traded Juan Soto, who they had emptied their farm system to trade for just 18 months prior. At the same time, ’23 Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and top closer Josh Hader left in free agency.
The payroll, which had reached over $250 million in 2023, is now $163 million in 2024. Meanwhile, just up the I-5 Freeway, the Dodgers spent over a billion dollars in the offseason upgrading their roster with Shohei Ohtani and others.
The Padres are currently managed by an interim ownership group, headed by Seidler’s business partner, Erik Greupner. The interim group consists of Seidler’s family members and business partners.
The change at the top has many wondering about the future of the team.
Despite the cuts and uncertainty, the Padres are holding their own in 2024, sort of, with a 37-38 record (as of June 16th) and are in contention for a wildcard playoff spot.
But what’s the long-term strategy? Will ownership allow Preller the resources to chase a championship like Seidler did? The group has said they are committed to fulfilling Peter Seidler’s dream of a World Series. Are they committed to Preller?
AJ Preller’s Crossroads: The Future of the Padres
Through it all, Preller continues to make bold moves. On the eve of Opening Day, A.J. traded for standout pitcher Dylan Cease, and last month, he acquired batting champion Luis Arraez.
While the recent trades have bolstered the team, the MLB trade deadline looms. Might Preller have another big trade up his sleeve?
Blockbuster trade?
In the past, Preller never shied away from making significant changes at the deadline, like the trade in ’22 that brought Juan Soto to San Diego. Will he have support from ownership to pull off another blockbuster deal?
The next few months will be an exciting and pivotal time for A.J. Preller and the San Diego Padres. Yes, the stakes are high, and the outcome could reshape the team’s future.
No matter what happens, it’s undeniable that A.J. Preller has reignited a spark of excitement in the city, a thrill that had been absent for years.
As he confronts what could be the most significant challenge of his career, fans and critics alike are watching and waiting.
Is this Preller’s final act in San Diego, or can he rewrite his narrative and lead the Padres to a new era of success? Only time will tell.
