The San Diego Padres had a great run in 2024, reaching the NLDS after winning the wild card and sweeping the Atlanta Braves. Their postseason run came to a close at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers in a tense 5-game series. All games in the matchup led to intense moments, which made it hard to determine who would win. Although they have not yet established themselves as a major force in the league, they show clear signs of forming such a status.

Fast forward to 2025, and fans were expecting some big moves in the offseason—big signings to push them over the top. But the Padres have kept things pretty quiet on the market so far, staying low-key. Despite the lack of splashy headlines, the vibe within the team is positive. The players are all smiles, feeling confident and happy with the squad they have. It is an uneventful offseason, but there’s the feeling that the Padres are gearing up to take another swing at the top.

San Diego Padres’ Silver Slugger winner, Jackson Merrill, has actually come out and said that he is happy even though the Padres have had a slow offseason. The Padres have a payroll of around $200 million. This is very low compared to what some other teams are spending on improving the team. Jackson Merrill has also come out and said, “I kind of like it being quiet though…Whatever team we have out there on that field, we’re going to be able to dominate and compete with any team.”

[Caswell] Jackson Merrill on Padres quiet off-season: “I kind of like it being quiet though…Whatever team we have out there on that field, we’re going to be able to dominate and compete with any team.”
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Merrill has been pretty optimistic despite his team’s slow offseason. With a payroll of around $200 million, the Padres are certainly on the lower end of the spectrum compared to some of the big spenders in the league.

However, Merrill is not letting that get him down. Instead, he’s all about embracing the quiet. He focuses on what they already have. He feels that whoever they start out the season with, that Padres’ team will compete against anybody in baseball. It’s apparent in the thought process of Merrill as far as his current group of players is concerned.

A very quiet winter does not at all indicate an inability to win, even in San Diego’s case. Sometimes, it’s not about the money you spend but the heart and chemistry in the clubhouse.

The San Diego Padres’ ‘under-the-radar’ offseason: building from within

The San Diego Padres maintain a strategy of internal player development during the offseason that avoids prominent player transactions. Such a strategy indicates the organization’s dedication to creating local talent while strengthening existing team composition. General Manager A.J. Preller has said that building from within with a view toward creating a sustainable and competitive team is essential.

The big deal was the trade of star outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Yankees. It is a move that, though surprising to some, was based on financial reasons and a strategic move to focus more on the young players. For this, they received pitchers Dylan Cease and Michael King in return, which added some promising talent to their rotation. This trade indicates that the Padres are looking at long-term success rather than instant star power.

Besides signing for trade, the Padres also aim to retain core members within their current roster. One such player who declined the terms of the contract is infielder Ha-Seong Kim. General Manager A.J. Preller highly desires to re-sign Kim to the team, citing his importance to the team. Another player is outfielder Jurickson Profar. The player was having a great season and showed interest in returning to San Diego. His re-signing would have given stability and depth to the Padres’ lineup.

This offseason’s strategy speaks to the Padres’ commitment to internal growth and fiscal responsibility. The Padres are looking to build a team that can be successful over time by developing their farm system and keeping key players. The approach may not create the same level of excitement as blockbuster signings, but it reflects a thoughtful and strategic vision for the future of the franchise.