PEORIA, Ariz. -- Padres general manager A.J. Preller spoke with reporters twice on Thursday, first at Padres camp, then at the league’s annual Cactus League Media Day.
Naturally, the biggest topic of conversation was the status of a possible contract extension with the club. Preller is entering his final season under contract, and although both sides have expressed optimism about a deal, they’ve yet to put pen to paper, with the season fast approaching.
Here are some key takeaways from Preller’s media availability:
The latest on an extension
Again, Preller expressed a belief that he and the Padres might soon come to an agreement, without offering many specifics.
“When the time’s right, the moment’s right, we’re hoping to line up on something and have something here that can be focusing me back on the field,” Preller said. “We’ll see where it goes.”
Preller, who was hired in August 2014, is entering his 12th full season as general manager (he now holds the title of president of baseball operations as well.) He has presided over the most successful era in franchise history, with the Padres having reached the postseason in four of the past six years.
“I love being here, love San Diego,” Preller said. “I feel good about the work we’ve done as a group. And, again, we still have some unfinished business. So that’s really the motivation -- for the city of San Diego to go out and win and to be a part of it.”
During the offseason, the Padres announced that they would explore the sale of the team. But Preller said that situation has not (and would not) impact his contract negotiations.
He also said he wouldn’t set any deadlines for a deal, even if, externally, some have viewed Opening Day as an important date.
“Either way, I’m under contract, so it’s all about putting a team on the field that is going to win,” Preller said. “Still a lot of work to do in terms of continuing to round out the roster.”
Still making moves
Preller didn’t shy away from the fact that he’s looking to add to his roster at multiple spots, even with camp underway.
“Still looking to add to the starting rotation,” Preller said. “We’ve mentioned we’ve got some good competition. It’s always about looking to fill out innings.”
That’s hardly a surprise. The Padres have a formidable trio at the front of their rotation in Nick Pivetta, Joe Musgrove and Michael King. But Yu Darvish is out for the season (and contemplating voiding his contract). There isn’t much depth, and the Padres could clearly stand to add another arm to their rotation competition.
Perhaps more surprising was this: Preller’s insistence that the Padres aren’t done on the offensive side. Don’t expect a major shakeup. But Preller made it clear he’s still looking to add another bench bat.
“Clearly [we’re looking for] some rotation help, and then we’re looking to add at least another bat that will go into the mix,” Preller said.
Set at catcher?
The additional bat Preller is looking for? Unlikely to be a catcher.
There was an avenue in which the Padres could add another backstop -- perhaps even a light-hitting, defense-first catcher -- and move Luis Campusano into a pinch-hit/DH-type role as the No. 3 catcher. (In essence, Campusano would serve as that additional bench bat.)
Preller downplayed that possibility (though he noted it was something the team explored at different points earlier in the offseason).
“Ultimately, I think we looked at the value of the players we have as [being] behind the plate and catching, making that as good a group as we can have,” Preller said. “Go find some other value throughout other position-player additions.”
That seems to answer one of the more intriguing questions of the spring. Campusano debuted in 2020 but still hasn’t established himself with the big league club. He’s out of options this spring and would be exposed to waivers if he doesn’t make the big league club.
A one-time top prospect, Campusano has struggled defensively in the past. But he’s still only 27 and is coming off an excellent season at Triple-A El Paso. Based on Preller’s comments, he seems poised to serve as Freddy Fermin’s backup behind the plate.
“For us, it’s as good a catching candidate and tandem as you can have,” Preller said. “We want those guys. Between the two of them, they have good skill sets. Their skills should complement each other.”