The Padres signed outfielder Nick Castellanos and right-handers Griffin Canning and Germán Márquez – all veterans – to one-year contracts, and on Monday news broke that the team and Preller have agreed to a multi-year extension (h/t: ESPN’s Alden González). Preller’s contract expired after this season, and with the Padres up for sale, an extension was uncertain if the new owner preferred to install his own leadership.
Preller has led the Padres’ baseball operations department since 2021 and has compiled a 7-12 postseason record. While this figure leaves room for improvement, it is certainly not the result of inaction. Preller is widely regarded as one of the game’s more aggressive and active managers when it comes to building a competitive roster.
On Saturday, Preller received vocal support from Padres third baseman Manny Machado, who said Preller deserved an extension.
The Padres are in a good position with GM AJ Preller
Preller has proven to be one of the best managers in baseball, demonstrating a willingness to spend money on big-name players and make bold trades. In 2022, he acquired outfielder Juan Soto from the Washington Nationals and then traded him to the New York Yankees in December 2023.
Preller made one of the better trades last season, acquiring closer Mason Miller and starter JP Sears from the Athletics for a package of prospects.
With a solid roster entering the 2026 season – a deep rotation anchored by right-hander Michael King, a lineup powered by Machado and OF/SS Fernando Tatis Jr. and several key offseason additions – the Padres have the talent to win many more games than their 80.7 win rate PECOTA projection suggests.
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