The Padres were hoping to cash in similarly when they signed left-handed pitcher Wes Benjamin to a minor league contract with a non-roster invitation to spring training in February. Benjamin, a native of Illinois, pitched professionally for eight seasons in the Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox organizations before heading to Korea in 2022.

Padres lost NL Wild Card to Cubs and are seeking a new manager after Shildt’s retirement. Fernando Tatis Jr. remains a franchise cornerstone, excelling both offensively and defensively. The San Diego Padres had a disappointing end to their 2025 season,

The clock is ticking as loudly as ever for A.J. Preller to construct a legitimate World Series contender in San Diego.