SAN DIEGO -- The Freddy Galvis sweepstakes are nearly open. After six seasons with the Phillies and one with the Padres, Galvis will be eligible to sign anywhere on Friday at 2 p.m. PT.
Of course, "anywhere" could easily become a return to San Diego. There aren't many teams in need of a shortstop, and the Padres see a fit for Galvis as the starter at the beginning of next season, bridging the gap to Fernando Tatis Jr., the organization's No. 1 prospect and the No. 2 overall prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline.
That's not such an easy proposition though. If Galvis returns, he's likely going to have at least a season and a half of overlap with Tatis. He was asked at season's end what mattered most in his free-agency search and instantly pointed to long-term security.
"I've been playing year by year," Galvis said last month. "I don't feel like I want to do that anymore. I want to get a few years, I want to get [security]. I have my family, I have two daughters, that's what I'm going to look for."
That's not a crazy ask for an excellent defensive shortstop who's been incredibly durable, even if, historically, he's been subpar offensively. Galvis hit .248/.299/.380 last season, starting all 162 games. He's Major League Baseball's active iron man, having played in 325 straight.

So he's looking for a multiyear deal. Does that mesh with the Padres' plans? That's where things get tricky.
It's hard to see Galvis fitting for three seasons, unless he's willing to take an annual discount. Tatis is envisioned by the organization as the shortstop of the future. Were Galvis to re-sign for two or three years, no question he'd find himself in a new role.
Let's play out the two scenarios.
What happens if the Padres sign Galvis?
• Galvis is the starting shortstop on Opening Day 2019, and he's the starting shortstop at least until Tatis arrives.
• Tatis might end up playing some third base in the Major Leagues, to go along with shortstop. Galvis' presence could afford the Padres a little bit more development time for Tatis in the Minors if he's struggling.
• Ultimately, Galvis evolves into something of a utility infielder, in which he spells starters at second, third and short regularly. (As a switch-hitting platoon option, he'd still be able to play somewhat regularly in that case.)
What happens if the Padres don't sign Galvis?
• They look externally for a different veteran shortstop who can bridge the gap to Tatis. But they aren't likely to spend excessively with Tatis waiting.
• Javy Guerra -- a defensive whiz, but a huge disappointment at the plate -- will get a chance to compete for the job in Spring Training (alongside whoever is brought in).
• Tatis will likely be promoted within the first month or two, and when he is, he'll almost certainly play shortstop exclusively.
Would the Padres like to have Galvis back? Sure sounds like it.
"We'll get more and more into details going forward regarding what the role is, what we're looking for, who the different players are that will fit," said general manager A.J. Preller. "... With Freddy, he did exactly what we thought when we made the deal, which was solidify a spot that had been a hole for us the last few years. He came in, played great defense, got big hits. It's the day-to-day grind, effort, leadership -- he has that as a steady performer. He's a winning person."

Ultimately, however, it could be out of the Padres' control. If another team is willing to offer Galvis more years, more dollars or a better role, Preller has Tatis waiting in the wings.
It's been 10 1/2 months since the Padres dealt for Galvis. They did so knowing that a 2019 reunion might be possible. Now it's decision time.
Noteworthy
• The Padres claimed utility infielder Greg Garcia off waivers from the Cardinals on Thursday. In parts of five big league seasons with St. Louis, Garcia has posted a .248/.356/.339 slash line. As a utility man with the ability to play shortstop, Garcia could fill a void as a backup infielder on the 2019 roster.
• The Padres dealt catcher Raffy Lopez to Atlanta for cash considerations or a player to be named. In 117 big league plate appearances last season, Lopez hit .176 with a .549 OPS. Lopez was always a candidate to be let go, given the impending roster crunch this month, when the Padres must add a handful of top prospects to the 40-man roster.