Reviewing the Padres current free agents
(Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)
A review of the San Diego Padres free agents and the odds that the team signs them this winter.
Major League Baseball free agency starts on Monday.
The San Diego Padres, like most franchises, are in evaluation mode.
Last season was successful on so many levels for the Padres despite it ending with a sour taste in their mouths. The team played with chemistry and was looking like the favorite to win the World Series. In the end, it wasn’t meant to be with this particular roster.
Speaking of which, the roster will indeed look different in 2024, as several players are about to be free agents.
Let’s take a look at the group and make a guess at what their future will be in 2025 and beyond.
Arguably one of the team’s most valuable players, Profar was underpaid in 2024 ($1 million). He will be looking for a big payday, but his price should be reasonable for the Padres. Profar is an excellent clubhouse guy, and his presence seems to have a calming influence on the star-studded roster. The Padres would be wise to explore bringing him back. Profar loves San Digo, and the two sides could work out a reasonable contract.
Percentage to return- 80%
Kim is valuable to the team, as his defensive presence is irreplaceable. The former Gold Glove winner suffered a shoulder injury late in the season and did not play for the team down the stretch or in the playoffs. Kim declined his option on Saturday and will explore free agency. His value was tarnished slightly in 2024, but there is still a chance he will sign a hefty deal, given that he is still only 29 years old. The bat still is a question mark, but Kim is a game-changer on the field.
Percentage to return- 55%
This lefty was probably the team’s best reliever late in the season. Scott is dominant and unafraid to go right at hitters. He will close games in 2025, and there is probably little chance the Padres can retain his services. With Robert Suarez under contract, the Padres really do not have the resources to sign Scott. For San Diego, they can only hope that he sign with an American League team so they do not have to deal with him firsthand during the season on a regular basis.
Percentage to return- 10%
The Padres needed a catcher to step up in 2024, but Luis Campusano was not that man. The Padres gave their draft pick every opportunity to blossom, but he just did not improve. Higashioke took the starting job and ran with it. He showed impressive pull power and solidified the pitching staff with his defensive abilities. The Padres will likely explore bringing him back. Having the veteran hold the position should not cost the Padres much until Ethan Salas is ready.
Percentage to return- 80%
Signed in May, Solano was a vital member of the team down the stretch. The veteran right-handed hitter consistently gave quality at-bats for the Padres. He played a solid first base for the team as well. Solano should not require more than a one-year deal. His potential signing will depend on whether the team can secure Ha-Seong Kim. The clubhouse enjoyed Solano, who was affectionately called “El Maestro” or “The Teacher.” There is a decent likelihood he will return to the Padres in 2025.
Percentage to return- 65%
When Fernando Tatis Jr. went down to injury, Peralta stepped in and did very well for the Padres. The veteran left-handed bat has grinded his way in Major League Baseball, and there is a lot of respect for him among the players. Like Solano, Peralta gave the Padres a veteran feel and quality at-bats. His future is cloudy with the team, as the Padres will likely want to give Tirso Ornelas some at-bats soon. The Padres will also explore outfield options this winter, and there will be competition in the spring for roster spots.
Percentage to return- 35%
Added by the Padres late in the year, Perez proved to have something left in the tank. He went 3-1 with the Padres, recording a 3.48 ERA in 10 starts. The lefty was lit up in Pittsburgh to the tune of a 5.20 ERA before the Padres tarded for him. Perez is affordable, but the Padres would be gambling if he can continue to contribute. At this point, the Padres would probably be better to sign some younger arms that have something to prove.
Percentage to return- 30%
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.