SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The General Managers Meetings wrapped up on Thursday without any substantive Padres transactions. But there were hints everywhere that San Diego will be active this winter.

General manager A.J. Preller called the meetings "productive" and "a little busier than usual."

So let’s jump right into your most pressing hot stove questions.

Are the Padres really going to bring in another second baseman?
-- @FightinFriars

They're considering it. And I'm not sure I understand some of the negative reaction to that idea. Luis Urías has received mostly irregular playing time in the big leagues. But his numbers aren't good. He's hitting .221/.318/.331 over 83 games.

Now there are reasons for the Padres to be encouraged by Urías' strong finish. He batted .300 with a .796 OPS in September, and plenty of people in the organization feel Urías could still ascend to a more regular role. But isn't it worthwhile to explore your other options?

Urías' production next season is a mystery. The Padres want more stability. That could mean moving Urías and landing someone new at the keystone. More likely, it means keeping Urías but finding some competition for him.

Zack Wheeler, yeah?
-- Brandon

Succinct question. Here's a not so succinct answer:

Wheeler is certainly a candidate for the San Diego rotation. The Padres' brass has stated their goal of adding frontline starting pitching, and Wheeler fits the bill at a cheaper price tag than Stephen Strasburg or Gerrit Cole.

That said, San Diego won't be the only team pursuing Wheeler. A handful of teams will be unwilling to pony up for Strasburg and Cole. From there, they'll turn to Wheeler, the market’s next best option.

The Padres are determined to avoid overpaying in their quest for starting pitching. If Wheeler's price is driven too high they won't sign him. Same holds true for Strasburg and Cole. They'll still have one of the best farm systems in baseball to fall back on, making it very possible they land an ace via trade instead.

Is the club leaning toward a trade or free agency to find a starting pitcher?
-- Michael

It's too early to say with any certainty. But I get the sense the Padres will explore the trade market first. The asking prices for Strasburg, Cole and even Wheeler will almost certainly be higher than what the Padres are willing to pay. That doesn't mean they won't sign Wheeler. It just means negotiations might not be swift.

On the trade front, meanwhile, Preller has been laying the groundwork for about 18 months. He pursued starting pitching last offseason and at each of the past two Trade Deadlines.

It's unclear which front-line starters might be available. (The Mets have seemingly ruled out Noah Syndergaard.) But the Padres have a deep enough farm system where they could sacrifice a few pieces while keeping their bright future intact.

How many starters in next year's outfield are currently on the roster?
-- sandiego0o0

Uhhh ... one?

It's a tough question to answer because the Padres have plenty of intriguing outfield pieces, and they're going to keep most of them around. But those pieces come with question marks. Does Josh Naylor take the next step and become an everyday player? Is Franchy Cordero healthy enough to make an impact? Is Hunter Renfroe viable against righties?

I'll frame my answer this way: If I had to guess, I'd say the Padres will add two outfielders this winter, while subtracting at least one. (Wil Myers the most likely to be dealt.)

Expect one of those outfielders to be a left-handed-hitting platoon piece to balance the Padres' righty-heavy group. The other could be an everyday regular, and preferably someone who can hit both left- and right-handed pitching.