Last season, the San Diego Padres proved they were a legitimate threat, pushing the Los Angeles Dodgers for the National League West crown before having the eventual world champions on the brink of elimination in the National League Division Series.
Now, looking ahead to the 2025 campaign, the Padres will once again field a talented lineup led by Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and National League Rookie of the Year candidate Jackson Merrill. However, there are personnel changes in the lineup and rotation that will need to be addressed.
With that in mind, let’s look at the three biggest questions facing the Friars this winter.
What happens with Ha-Seong Kim?
A fan favorite in San Diego, Kim declined the $8 million mutual option in his contract earlier this offseason, and he’s officially a free agent. The 29-year-old infielder is expected to be one of the most sought-after infield free agents this winter, and San Diego will have to make a steep investment in Kim if it wants to have him back.
Kim isn’t expected to be back for Opening Day after undergoing labrum repair surgery, so that’s a consideration for any team looking to sign him.
If that team is San Diego, Xander Bogaerts could start the season at shortstop (just like the Padres did after Kim’s injury last season) and move him back to second when Kim returns. If Kim heads elsewhere, look for Bogaerts to be a strong candidate to replace him, with Jake Cronenworth taking over at second base.
Tatis and Merrill, a pair of former shortstops who have excelled in the outfield for San Diego, are not expected to move back to the infield.
Who takes over in the rotation?
Dylan Cease, Yu Darvish and Michael King will be back to lead the rotation, but the Padres suffered a big loss when Joe Musgrove was lost for the 2025 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
While the Padres have internal options to fill out the rotation, this feels like a spot where president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller could work to sign a big-name free agent.
Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki has been linked to the Padres on several occasions, thanks in part to his friendship with Darvish. Signing him could be a big boost for San Diego.
Could the Padres go after someone like Jack Flaherty or Walker Buehler, both of whom played key postseason roles for the Dodgers? The possibilities, paired with Preller’s tenacity for improving the roster, make this a very interesting spot on the Padres roster to watch.
Is Jurickson Profar the right answer?
Profar had a career year last year for San Diego, earning his first All-Star Game nod and Silver Slugger while posting a career-high OPS+ of 134. The 31-year-old Profar was an X factor for San Diego throughout the season, making key contributions in a lineup filled with All-Stars.
Now, the Padres must decide if Profar can continue his amazing 2024 run in the future. Over his 11-year MLB career, Profar has an OPS+ of 98 (including a 113 OPS+ during parts of five seasons in San Diego), so some regression in 2025 is to be expected.
Profar wants to return to San Diego, but can he and the Padres find a middle ground on a contract? If Preller is looking to spend money elsewhere, can he find a replacement for Profar in the field and clubhouse?
San Diego’s decision on Profar could potentially have a ripple effect on the rest of the roster, so this could arguably be one of the most important questions to be answered in San Diego this offseason.